President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday personally appealed for support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, saying the country is ready to serve as a “voice of balance” and a “voice for principled peace.”
Speaking at a special plenary session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ long record of contributing to international initiatives on peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, climate resilience, and protection for refugees and migrants.
“Always ready to be part of the solution, the Philippines has regularly proven itself to be an independent, trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder, and a committed peacemaker,” Marcos said.
The Philippines is seeking a non-permanent seat for the 2027–2028 term, with elections scheduled on June 3, 2026. The country last served on the council from 2004 to 2005.
Commitment to Multilateralism
Marcos emphasized that the Security Council must reflect not only power but also broader perspectives amid rising global tensions.
He underscored the Philippines’ commitment to UN reforms, noting that the country paid its budget assessments in full and was included in the UN’s Honor Roll this year.
“We lodged our candidature, mindful that a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council is not a right of any state, but a privilege earned through consistent, dedicated, meaningful, and concrete partnership in the service of the United Nations and also of humanity,” he said.
Call for Peace and Restraint
Marcos also urged restraint and de-escalation in ongoing conflicts, citing crises in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, Yemen, Myanmar, and the Middle East.
“Then and now, we stand ready to do our part to stay the forces of war, to end conflict, to ease suffering…. These tragedies need to stop. Innocence must be protected, and their basic needs immediately provided,” he said.
The President’s address capped his two-day working visit to the United States, with his return to Manila scheduled Wednesday, Philippine time.
This bid places the Philippines at the center of global diplomacy, aiming to amplify its role as a stabilizing voice in international peace and security.