Why the UN matters to the Philippines

With the world facing increased geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, some observers are questioning whether the United Nations still plays an important role in global affairs. For countries like the Philippines, however, the answer is clear: the UN remains one of the most important institutions in the international arena.

Middle powers and developing nations see the UN as invaluable in providing a global platform where every country – regardless of size or power – has a voice. It is a forum where diplomacy can prevail over confrontation, and where international law and cooperation can guide relations among nations.

Not many people are aware that the Philippines is a founding member of the United Nations – one of the 50 countries that gathered in San Francisco and signed the Charter on June 26, 1945, to establish the organization following the devastation of World War II.

Since that historic moment, our country has remained consistently engaged in the work of the UN, steadfast in our support for the organization and its mission. Filipino leaders have long understood that the world needed institutions that could help prevent another catastrophic global conflict. Filipino diplomats play active roles in the UN system, while Filipino soldiers and peacekeepers serve in some of the world’s most difficult environments from the Middle East to Africa, helping maintain stability and assisting populations affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.

This long tradition of engagement reflects our belief that international cooperation and respect for rules are essential in maintaining peace and security – which is also why the Philippines is seeking election to the UN Security Council.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent two-day visit to New York was a high-level push for the Philippines’ campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for a two-year term in 2027-2028, with voting scheduled on June 3. Election to the council would give us a seat at the table where the most critical decisions that impact the world are made.

Serving in the Security Council is one of the most significant responsibilities any UN member-state can undertake. The Council’s decisions help shape global responses to armed conflicts, sanctions, peacekeeping operations and diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing war. Undoubtedly, the Philippines would be able to contribute its perspective as a democracy in the Indo-Pacific region, and as a country that strongly believes in peaceful dispute resolution and adherence to international law.

During the President’s meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, they discussed the urgency of humanitarian aid in conflict zones and the necessity of regional stability. The meeting put a spotlight on the Philippines’ brand of diplomacy – ready to engage with all nations but remaining firm on its principles.

The President’s address at the UN General Assembly on March 10 was well attended. Delegates from across the international community listened to his message that positioned the Philippines as a “trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder and a committed peacemaker.”

In a world where division can be paralyzing and polarizing, the President’s call for a return to a rules-based international order, citing the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, struck a chord with many of my colleagues in the diplomatic corps.

The reception for delegates at the UN headquarters hosted by President Marcos provided an opportunity for representatives of many countries to engage directly with the Philippine delegation and learn more about our vision and priorities should we be elected to the Security Council. By all accounts, the visit was extremely successful, demonstrating the Philippines’ seriousness about contributing constructively to global peace and security.

Diplomatic efforts at the United Nations often take place quietly through conversations, meetings and personal interactions among leaders and diplomats. While these moments rarely make headlines, they are essential in building the relationships and trust that ultimately shape international cooperation.

As an archipelagic nation located in a strategically important region, the Philippines depends on a stable and rules-based international order. This is particularly evident in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has consistently advocated the peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law. Our landmark 2016 arbitral victory that upheld the primacy of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea reaffirmed the importance of rules and legal mechanisms in resolving complex maritime issues, demonstrating that even smaller nations can rely on international law to defend their rights and protect their sovereignty.

If elected to the Security Council, the Philippines would continue to champion these principles. We would advocate diplomacy over confrontation, cooperation over coercion and respect for international law as the foundation for peaceful relations among nations. We would serve as a constructive voice for developing nations whose perspectives are not always fully heard in global security debates. Certainly, our experience as a democratic country in Southeast Asia allows us to bridge the concerns of both advanced and developing economies.

The Philippines has served on the UNSC several times in the past, most recently in 2004-2005. During that period, our diplomats worked constructively with other countries to address global security challenges and support peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts. Another term would allow the Philippines to contribute in shaping international responses to complex challenges the world faces today – reaffirming our longstanding commitment to the ideals that inspired the founding of the United Nations.

In an increasingly uncertain and divided world, institutions that encourage dialogue and cooperation are significantly important today. The UN Security Council is one such institution that plays a critical role in preserving peace, prosperity and security for nations big or small. The Philippines believes in it – fully committed to support its mandate completely.

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