PRESIDENT MARCOS IN NEW YORK FOR A WORKING VISIT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in New York, United States on Sunday for a working visit on March 9 and 10, during which he is expected to address the United Nations (UN) and promote the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the body.

In his statement, President Marcos said he would present the Philippines’ best practices on gender equality and women’s empowerment during the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

“My participation in the CSW signals the strong commitment of the Philippines to gender equality and women’s empowerment,” President Marcos said.

“It is an opportunity to share the best practices of the Philippines, the challenges we face on women’s rights, and the lessons that can be learned from our own journey towards peace.”

The Philippines signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1980 and ratified it in 1981, becoming the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to do so.

The President said his visit to New York aims to advance the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

“This candidature is about shared responsibility. It is about ensuring that the voice of the Philippines– and of developing countries – is heard at the highest forum of global peace and security,” he said, adding it’s an opportunity to discuss global issues with UN officials.

“During this trip, I will also be addressing the 193 Member States of the United Nations in a special session to be convened by the President of the General Assembly, just for the Philippines,” the President added.

Through the platform, the President said he hopes to convey the aspirations of the Filipino people for peace and solidarity, while calling for restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law.

The President emphasized that the Philippines continues to support multilateralism firmly anchored in international law.

From its consistent advocacy for the peaceful resolution of disputes to its support for the rule of law at sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, President Marcos said the Philippines has remained an active participant in peacekeeping efforts across continents.

The Philippines has also demonstrated itself to be a trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder, and a committed advocate for peace—one that other member states of the United Nations can confidently work with.