We find acuity in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s seeking the support this week of member states of the United Nations General Assembly for this country’s bid for a non-permanent seat in UNGA’s Security Council.
He banged it on when he said: “Our continued solidarity will also benefit from a reformed and more inclusive Security Council and an empowered General Assembly that can hold the Council to account. At the same time, the United Nations must forge ahead with its flagship tradition of global peacekeeping.”
The UN Security Council, which has five permanent Security Council members, is tasked to maintain international peace and security.
The President added in his speech at the high level general debate at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (Manila time):
“My country’s experience in building peace and forging new paths of cooperation can enrich the work of the Security Council.
“And to this end, I appeal for the valuable support of all UN member states for the Philippines’ candidature to the Security Council for the term of 2027-2028.”
Mr. Marcos flaunted the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, saying the peace forged after decades of conflict among warring factions and clans “demonstrates that unity is possible even in the most trying circumstances.”
He added: “Inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including women, the youth, faith leaders and civil society, conducted with patience and good faith, has produced a credible and solid foundation for self-government that paves the way for lasting peace and sustainable development.”
Leaders from more than 150 nations listened when he said there is the need to reaffirm the wisdom of the founders of the UN in October 1945 in San Francisco, California, which means “transcending our differences and committing to ending war, upholding justice, respecting human rights, and maintaining international peace and security.”
He was on the button when he said nuclear weapons have continued to pose an existential threat despite the efforts to build norms that will resoundingly prohibit them.
“We must reject the notion of deterrence and remain committed to decreasing the global stockpile of these weapons,” he said.
“At the same time, we must also address the scourge of the proliferation of all weapons, be they small arms, light weapons, or improvised explosive devices,” he added.
When a complaint concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the Council’s first action is usually to recommend that the parties try to reach agreement by peaceful means.
The UN Security Council’s five permanent members are China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
There are 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly (with end of term year): Albania (2023), Brazil (2023), Gabon (2023), Ghana (2023), India (2022), Ireland (2022), Kenya (2022), Mexico (2022), Norway (2022), United Arab Emirates (2023).
The Philippines has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during the following years: 1957, 1963, 1980 to 1981, and 2004 to 2005.