Thank you, Chair.

Excellencies, colleagues, good afternoon. 

Thank you, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, for briefing us on Brazil’s priorities for its Presidency of G20 under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”

The Philippines aligns itself with the statement delivered by Singapore on behalf of the Global Governance Group (3G).

Today, we have seen renewed optimism in the continued leadership of the Global South in the G20, ensuring the advancement of inclusivity in global discourse and decisions on matters that directly affect the developing countries.   

At this point, I would like to highlight the following:

1. The Philippines support the key priorities of Brazil’s G20 Presidency, namely social inclusion and the fight against hunger; energy transition; and sustainable development and reform of the global governance institutions.  These priorities align with PH’s own development priorities as detailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and Ambisyon Natin 2040. 
2. On the fight against hunger and the achievement of food security, may I echo what President Ferdinand Marco Jr said at UNGA77: “We need to take concrete steps towards modern and resilient agriculture.  For food is not just a trade commodity nor is it just a livelihood.  It is an existential imperative, and a moral one.  It is the very basis of human security.”
3. On energy transition, the Philippines is aggressively promoting renewables, with an aim to reach 50% share in the country’s power mix by this year.  Asia Pacific countries such as the Philippines are key drivers in agenda setting on climate action.  We must continue to work for climate action, integrate the biodiversity and climate agenda in development and generate more robust partnerships. 
4. On reform of global governance, we are confident that the Brazilian Presidency will continue to push for reforms in the financial architecture that will complement and support international efforts for middle-income countries (MICs), cognizant of these countries’ important role in achieving sustainable development.  Middle-income countries need transformational and inclusive development cooperation that takes into account variables that go beyond per capita income criteria. 
5. On social inclusion, we should stay committed to empowering people who are vulnerable and whose needs are reflected in the 2030 Agenda, including, among others, migrants, women and girls, the youth, elder persons and people with disabilities.
6. We look forward to translating these priorities into concrete language in the upcoming important processes, such as the FFD forum, SOTF, FFD4

The Philippines looks forward to working actively with the 3G and emphasizes the need to always ensure alignment of G20 priorities with the interests of developing countries.   

Thank you.