Mr. President,

The Philippines aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cambodia on behalf of ASEAN last Friday.

We commend the Secretary-General for his comprehensive Report on the Work of the Organisation[1] and for outlining his priorities for 2022.

Since presenting his first set of priorities on peace and security, sustainable development and UN reform six years ago, the Secretary-General has remained focused on “human dignity at the core of our work” at the United Nations.

Under a platform of “Restoring Trust and Inspiring Hope,” we are pleased to hear that the UN Chief’s priorities for this year clearly demonstrate the importance of policy continuity, institutional coherence and collaborative action.

Mr. President,

Last Wednesday, during the plenary meeting on the PGA’s priorities for 2022, Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo outlined the Philippines’ priorities under the Five Rays of Hope, including Recovering from COVID-19 and Responding to the needs of the planet.

We wish to make three (3) points for today’s meeting:

• First, the Philippines supports the convening of the five (5) informal thematic debates on “Our Common Agenda” starting next month. We reiterate our position to give time to thoroughly discuss not only the modalities and mechanisms on the follow-up process, but also, and more importantly, to reach consensus on priority issues based on the 90 specific proposals outlined in the Report.
• Second, we support the call of the PGA to have frank and constructive discussions on the Revitalization agenda to truly empower the General Assembly as the pre-eminent deliberative and policy-making body in the UN system.
• Third, and finally, the Philippines looks forward to continuing support for the PGA’s and the Secretary-General’s initiatives, and to participating in the UN-mandated events this year.

Mr. President,

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said at the General Debate last September that “the United Nations must empower itself, by reforming itself.”

I thank you.