Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. delivers the keynote message at the launch of “When the World declared Peace,” an exhibit to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes at the General Assembly Building at the United Nations Headquarters. (Photo Credit: New York PM)
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 21 April 2022 - Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. launched “When the World declared Peace,” an exhibit to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes at the United Nations Headquarters.
The Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 November 1982. It was based on a text prepared by the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization at its 1980 session that was held in Manila.
The Declaration is the first important outcome of the work of the Special Committee and one of its significant achievements.
According to Secretary Locsin, “Our then Secretary for Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo said: ‘This Declaration marks an important step forward for the United Nations and the international community generally in our efforts to enhance the capacity of the United Nations for peace-making.’
Noting that Secretary Romulo’s words have not lost their relevance, Secretary Locsin stressed that “on this 40th year we reaffirm our commitment” and that “this exhibit is a vivid way to reflect on the Declaration. It is the Philippines’ contribution to the dissemination of the Declaration and the commitments needed for its full observance.”
Here is the full keynote message of Secretary Locsin: Keynote Message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. during the Viewing of the Exhibit for the 40th Anniversary of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes (dfa.gov.ph)
Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, Permanent Representative to the United Nations welcomed United Nations officials and representatives from other member states such as those from ASEAN.
In his remarks, Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs D. Stephen Mathias noted that the Manila Declaration addresses both the normative and procedural aspects of the United Nations Charter.
Mr. Mathias said, “At a time when our international legal order is said to be under threat and our common institutions are being called into question, this exhibition is an important reminder of what we have achieved and of our need to recommit ourselves to it.”
Mr. Mathias encouraged everyone to reread the declaration and to try to be faithful to the principles that it sets forth.”
Assistant Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Khaled Khiari meanwhile stated, “The principles around which it is built, the pacific settlement of conflict, non-use of force, friendly relations among nations and respect of the United Nations Charter remain the bedrock of the collective security system represented by the United Nations.”
“On this anniversary of the Manila Declaration, we must reiterate our commitment to working towards an inclusive, effective multilateralism, which is so vital to ensuring global peace and prosperity,” Mr. Khiari said.
The launch of the exhibit is consistent with the resolution adopted by the General Assembly by consensus last year which welcomes the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration, encourages the United Nations and all Member States to commemorate its anniversary, and reiterates its call to all States to observe and promote in good faith the Declaration in the peaceful settlement of their international disputes.
What animates the exhibit -- from the 20-foot centerpiece that dominates it, to the playful and colorful mural at the back of the centerpiece, to the nineteen panels -- are the ideas that underpin the Manila Declaration. The “When the World declared Peace” exhibit will be on display at the UN Headquarters from 18 to 29 April 2022. END
More photos below.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. (middle), Madame Maria Lourdes B. Locsin (2nd from the left), Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo (leftmost), UN Officials Assistant Secretary General for Legal Affairs D. Stephen Mathias (2nd from the right) and Assistant Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Mohamed Khaled Khiari (rightmost) at the launch of “When the World declared Peace,” an exhibit to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes. (Photo Credit: New York PM)
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Madame Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, and Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo is joined by UN Assistant Secretary General for Legal Affairs D. Stephen Mathias, UN Assistant Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Mohamed Khaled Khiari and the Permanent Representatives from the ASEAN member states. (Photo Credit: New York PM)