Philippines and UN: A History of Strong Partnership and Global Impact
Manila, Philippines – The partnership between the Philippines and the United Nations (UN) stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to international cooperation and global initiatives. This enduring alliance has played a crucial role in the Philippines’ journey through the 21st century, particularly in its efforts towards sustainable development, peacebuilding, and humanitarian aid.
According to Philippines News Agency, The Philippines marked its position on the global stage in June 1945 when it became one of the 51 founding members of the UN, and one of only four Asian nations to sign the UN Charter. This early involvement set the tone for the country’s significant role in the UN. During the fourth UN General Assembly from 1949 to 1950, the Philippine ambassador to the UN, Carlos Romulo, was appointed as the first Asian president of the assembly. This leadership position was again held by a Filipino in the 1960s when Ambassador Salvador Lopez served as Chairman of the UN’s Commission on Human Rights, a role previously occupied by Eleanor Roosevelt.
Since the 1960s, the Philippines has been recognized for its consistent support of UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions, beginning its active deployment of Filipino peacekeepers in 1963. Further cementing its global influence, the Philippines co-founded the G-77 coalition in 1964, a group formed to represent the collective economic interests of UN member states.
Over the decades, prominent Filipinos including Carlos Romulo, Jacinto Castel Borjal, Lauro Baja Jr., Delia Domingo-Albert, and Bayani Mercado have been presidents of the UN Security Council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security. The UN has also benefited from the contributions of numerous Filipinos working in various capacities at its headquarters.
The UN has been a key partner for the Philippines since the post-World War II recovery period, offering financial assistance and support for development programs. This partnership has expanded over the years to encompass a wide range of issues, including human rights, healthcare, poverty, and climate change, through collaboration with local authorities.
A significant milestone in the field of human rights was the Philippines’ participation in the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, which led to the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). This document, promoting women’s rights and gender equality, has guided the Philippines in integrating gender considerations into national plans and policies.
The UN’s commitment to supporting the Philippines is also evident in its efforts to help the government achieve the national development goals and the 2030 Agenda, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in 2015. As the country emerges from the pandemic, the Philippines is poised to further strengthen its relationship with the UN, reaffirming its dedication to upholding peace, security, development, and humanitarian action both globally and domestically.