UN, Philippines sign new partnership for sustainable development

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations and the Philippine government signed Tuesday a document outlining the UN’s plan of action to drive the nation toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which spans the period from 2024 to 2028, will mobilize the global knowledge, capacities and resources of 23 UN entities supporting the Philippines in addressing its major national priorities. 

According to the UN Philippines, one of the priorities of the framework is human capital development to ensure that Filipinos are more resilient to crises arising from economic downturns, climate disasters, and public health risks by 2028, coinciding with the end of the Marcos administration.

“The UN will work with an expanded range of partners to enhance good governance, accountability and human rights, maintain a healthy environment and improve the quality of and access to social services such as healthcare, education, and social protection,” UN Philippines said.

It added that sustaining peacebuilding investments in the Bangsamoro region and other parts of the country will be critical for SDG acceleration.

The second focus is sustainable and inclusive economic development and innovation. The objective is to ensure that by 2028, all people benefit from a more integrated, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable economy that generates decent work and livelihood opportunities. 

Climate action for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience is the third key priority of the cooperation framework. 

“By investing in a just transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient development and cultivating a culture of sustainability in the management of natural resources and biodiversity, the UN and its partners hope to bolster current efforts to protect and preserve the country’s rich natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations,” UN Philippines said. 

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and UN in the Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo González signed the cooperation framework. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who witnessed the signing of the framework, said the partnership between the UN and the Philippine government can be a “catalyst” for the accomplishment of their shared goals. 

“We look forward to vigorous engagements in key issues such as food security, health, education, climate action, decent work, digital transformation, and disaster risk reduction,” Marcos said.