President Bongbong Marcos in one of his speaking engagements. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will raise the issue of climate change, rule of law and food security in his speech at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 20, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday.
Foreign Assistant Secretary Kira Christianne Danganan-Azucena said at a virtual predeparture briefing that the President’s speech is scheduled at 3:15 p.m. of Sept. 20 (3:15 a.m. Manila time), the first day of the General Assembly.
The President’s speech before 152 heads of states and officials, she said, would also highlight his administration’s priorities such as climate change, the rule of law and food security.
The President’s participation in the opening of the assembly is important because it marks his first engagement with the United Nations, which the Philippines recognizes “as the world’s most important multilateral organization,” according to Danganan-Azucena.
She said it is also “the most important event politically because this is where world leaders articulate policy statements on world affairs and international relations.”
In the same press briefing, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos will leave for New York on Sept. 18 and return to the Philippines on Sept. 24.Cruz-Angeles said the President would also discuss the government’s pandemic recovery efforts in his speech.
Another important speech
Aside from attending the General Assembly, the President will also speak at an economic briefing in New York to attract investors to the Philippines, said Foreign Assistant Secretary JV Chan Gonzaga.
Aside from his UN speech, the President will also give an economic briefing that is considered “the other most important speech” meant to attract investors, senior corporate executives, business analysts, and even academics, think tanks and entrepreneurs, said Gonzaga.
Gonzaga said Marcos would also meet with US companies that could help the Philippines achieve food security, energy security and sustainable economic development, among others.
He also disclosed that consultations with the White House were ongoing for a possible meeting between Marcos and US President Joe Biden at the sidelines of the UN event.
The DFA said Marcos will also meet with other world leaders during his stay in New York but did not disclose yet the names of the officials.