Mr. Chair,

My delegation welcomes the adoption of the resolution on “Population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development.”

We recognize this document as a testament to the strong commitment of UN Member States to protect and advance the gains of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development; and our shared resolve towards attaining the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, amidst and despite the unprecedented challenges that have been imposed on us by the pandemic.

Throughout this session, our delegation has actively engaged in highlighting our government’s key policies and programs to improve agricultural productivity, enhance competitiveness of farmers, end food hunger and achieve food security. We are committed to providing every Filipino access to quality health care, nutrition services and family planning through the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law and the Reproductive Health Care Law. We are pleased to see that, in general, this outcome document is reflective and supportive of our national development priorities, specifically on population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development.

Further, as an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, located in the Tropical Cyclone Belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire; and thus extremely vulnerable to climate-related and geographical hazards, we welcome the reaffirmation of commitments to address the impact of disasters and climate change on food systems and food security in all developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to the most adverse impacts of these natural hazards.  

As a low middle-income country, we also welcome the recognition of the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on middle-income countries, exacerbating their pre-existing specific challenges.

Mr. Chair,

This resolution successfully focusses on the theme with concrete and action-oriented commitments on the way forward.

We are also fully cognizant that the text includes delicate balances and difficult compromises.

We congratulate you Chair and your Bureau, particularly your Vice Chairs from Lebanon and Romania; and all delegates involved in the negotiations.

We should all be proud of this achievement.

Thank you Chair.