Mr. President,

The Philippines anticipates the Summit of the Future this September as a pivotal moment for multilateralism, to realize and advance peace, justice, and sustainable development for all.

We eagerly await the Pact for the Future, a landmark agreement, to deliver on the following actions:

1. Address our evolving global challenges effectively for current and future generations;
2. Foster an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order grounded in international law, equity, and justice;
3. Elevate diplomacy and international law, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolutions;
4. Uphold the sanctity of the UN Charter and promote human rights;
5. Empower all, including youth, women, older persons, indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and persons with disabilities, to contribute to inclusive and diverse societies;
6. Initiate reforms in the international financial architecture for a just and equitable economic order; and
7. Accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action, disaster resilience, and advancements in digital innovation, science, and technology.

The Philippines is committed to being an active partner in reinforcing the foundations of our multilateral system, which has faced significant challenges due to crises such as, among others, the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the climate crisis, and food and energy insecurity.

In response to the guiding questions for this debate, we wish to raise the following five (5) points:

1. Global Development Paradigm: The Philippines advocates for a polycentric development paradigm. This approach aligns with the natural course of history, bringing opportunities for justice and balance in international relations, as highlighted by the UN Secretary-General. It allows for a diversity of models for internal development and international cooperation, recognizing no single model as superior.
2. Adaptation of the United Nations: To adapt to emerging polycentric realities, the UN must promote inclusive and equitable participation of all member states. Strengthening the role of the General Assembly and other multilateral platforms can help reestablish trust and dialogue among members, including within the Security Council.
3. Selective Application of International Norms: To counter selective application of international law, the international community must reaffirm its commitment to the UN Charter's principles in their entirety. This includes upholding equity, justice, and the rule of law in international relations, ensuring that no state selectively applies these norms for its own benefit.
4. Enhancing Trust and Security: Measures to enhance trust and ensure indivisible security include bolstering diplomatic efforts, avoiding zero-sum strategies, and promoting disarmament. Preventing armed conflict between nuclear-armed states is crucial, emphasizing that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.
5. New Global Architecture: Key elements of a new global architecture include equitable global security, increased role of the Global South, freedom and democracy in international relations, cooperation based on mutual benefit, and strengthening the role of morality and rule of law in international relations.

This is how the Philippines’ approaches multilateralism in the 21st century and we wish to carry this outlook as we bid for the Security Council for the term 2027-2028.  With the support of Member States, the Philippines stands ready to share its experiences and best practices with the Security Council, building on our record as a reliable Partner, Pathfinder, and Peacemaker in global efforts to maintain international peace and security.

Thank you, Mr. President.