(AseanAll) — Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the Philippine delegation at the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80 HLW) on 22-27 September 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York, U.S.A.
Lazaro and the Philippine delegation joined the international community in the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Establishment of the United Nations. The Philippines is one of the fifty-one founding members of the United Nations, and one of only three in Asia.
During the weeklong UNGA80 HLW, Lazaro had numerous engagements on a wide range of issues such as migration, climate change, protection of children in armed conflict, disarmament, artificial intelligence, and maritime security and cooperation.
Lazaro delivered the keynote remarks in the Philippines-led high-level side-event promoting the Fund Responding to Loss and Damage, entitled “Scaling Up Finance and Partnerships for Loss and Damage”. The Philippines’ hosting of this Fund showcases the country’s leadership in climate action, climate justice, and climate finance. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a video message rallying support from all stakeholders in ensuring the success of the Fund. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Raphael P.M. Lotilla closed the well-attended meeting.
The Secretary participated in a UN Security Council debate on Artificial Intelligence to highlight the great potentials and risks of AI and other emerging technology. She then co-chaired with Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard the Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), or the Article XIV Conference.
Lazaro delivered the opening remarks during the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Like-Minded Group for Middle-Income Countries (LMG-MICs). Chaired by Permanent Representative Enrique A. Manalo, the meeting builds upon the progress made during the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries hosted by the Philippines in April 2025.
In line with the Philippines’ commitment to UNCLOS, ocean governance and marine biodiversity conservation, Lazaro deposited the instrument of ratification of the BBNJ Agreement.
Lazaro had productive meetings with Ministers of Foreign Affairs, with partners and friends from all parts of the world to discuss ways forward in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations.
Finally, Lazaro delivered the Philippines’ National Statement at the UN General Assembly, outlining to world leaders the Philippines’ vision for the future of the United Nations as an instrument of peace and progress.
Lazaro emphasized the importance of multilateralism, the UN, its Charter and the rules-based international order, in finding solutions to today’s complex challenges, including poverty, the spread of disease, armed conflict, economic slowdown, and the climate crisis.
The Secretary stated the Philippines’ readiness to continue to play its role as a voice of the developing world and as a Charter member of the UN.
The Philippines is campaigning to secure a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028, leveraging the country’s 80 years of experience, active involvement, and global contributions as a “partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker”.
Lazaro was joined by Secretary of Health Teodoro J. Herbosa, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Congresswoman Maria Rachel J. Arenas, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Enrique A. Manalo, DFA Undersecretary for Policy Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela, and other Philippine officials from various agencies.
