Philippines, UN sign partnership framework

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United Nations signed the document that is first to redefine the nature of the UN System’s engagement in the country from one that provides “development assistance” to a collaboration in strategic partnership.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia and United Nations Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren signed recently the Philippines-United Nations Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development (PFSD 2019-2023) on behalf of the Philippine government and the UN, respectively.

Formerly known as the United Nations Development Assistance Framework, the PFSD 2019-2023 is the fifth Philippines-UN country plan since 1995. It also directs the UN Country Team (UNCT)’s attention and resources.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which sits as advisor in the National Steering Committee, was represented by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for United Nations and International Organizations Noralyn Jubaira-Baja. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Philippine government and the UN Country Team.

The Philippine government’s long-term vision, firmly aligned with the commitment of UN member states in the 2030 Agenda, supports the UN System’s call to “leave no one behind.”

By aligning the UN System support to Ambisyon Nation 2040 and its operational plans, the PFSD contributes not only to national but also to global efforts to reduce inequalities and eliminate discrimination.

The PFSD 2019-2023 also takes as its reference the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the first of four socioeconomic development plans that will operationalize Ambisyon 2040. In line with PDP priorities, it organizes strategic contributions through a 2030 Agenda lens into three pillars – people, prosperity and planet, and peace.