Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
It is an honor to welcome you to this side event hosted by the Republic of the Philippines at the sidelines of the 4th Review Conference on the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects or the UN POA. We are privileged to have such a diverse group of experts and representatives here today to discuss and collaborate on the critical issue of revitalizing the UNPoA on Small Arms and Light Weapons through Southeast Asian regional initiatives.
The Philippines, along with our partners in the region, has long been committed to addressing the challenges posed by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. In recent years, we have made significant and complementary strides in this area, notably through the Cambodian-led ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling and the Philippine-initiated Regional Roadmap Towards Regional Mechanism on Weapons Regulation. These initiatives exemplify our collective dedication to fostering regional peace, security, and stability.
The ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling, adopted in August 2023, marks a pivotal step forward. It underscores our resolve to eradicate illicit arms activities by leveraging all available means and fostering stronger linkages among regional and international mechanisms. This declaration is not just a document but a testament to our unified commitment to combat arms smuggling and to enhance cooperation and assistance across borders.
Complementing this, the Regional Roadmap Towards Regional Mechanism on Weapons Regulation, launched in Manila last December, broadens our scope to include South Asia and Pacific states. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive framework for weapons regulation, promoting synergy and interoperability among existing instruments and mechanisms. It represents our shared aspiration for a region characterized by peace and stability.
Today’s discussions are an opportunity to elevate these regional initiatives as models of cooperation that can be adapted and implemented in other regions facing similar challenges. We seek to strengthen institutional frameworks, foster international cooperation, and consolidate the gains we have made in combating the illicit proliferation of arms.
I extend my gratitude to our distinguished panelists: Mr. Bunleap Sao of the Cambodian Ministry of Interior, Atty. Hazel Joves of the Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes, Counsellor Harry Aitken of the Permanent Mission of Australia, and Mr. Alfredo Lubang of NISEA, for sharing their invaluable insights this afternoon. I also wish to thank Mr. Tak Mashiko of UNSCAR for his closing remarks and Philippine First Committee Expert Diane Shayne D. Lipana for moderating this event.
Your presence and participation today are crucial as we work together to address emerging challenges in the broader Asia-Pacific context. Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment to a safer and more secure world for all.
Thank you.