MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was commended Friday by the United Nations for his unwavering commitment and advocacy for youth empowerment, peace-building and security initiatives.

During the ASEAN-UN Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cited the Philippine President for taking the lead in youth involvement for the ASEAN.

In the event, President Marcos expressed the Philippines’ commitment to the youth, peace and security agenda with the launch of the Philippines’ National Action Plan (NAP) on youth, peace, and security in August this year, which is the fourth of its kind in the world.

The President assured the global body that the Philippines will continue to strengthen its engagement with the UN.

“As I mentioned during our meeting in New York, we intend to enhance our role in peacekeeping operations, especially where there is a huge concentration of overseas Filipinos,” Marcos said.

Recalling his speech at the UN General Assembly two months ago, the President said climate change is the greatest threat affecting nations and the people, adding it is a global problem that needs strong leadership from the UN.

“Let me reassure you, Secretary General, that the Philippines is committed to supporting and collaborating with the UN in the global effort to fight climate change and other environmental issues.”

The Philippines’ commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based international order is unwavering, Marcos stressed as he urged all members of the UN to respect the rule of law and international laws, in particular, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The President also announced that the country achieved 120 out of 140 action lines of the 2021-2025 ASEAN-UN Plan of Action.

The President also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and assistance that ASEAN had with the UN through the COVAX facility in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our close cooperation has helped see all of us through the worst of the pandemic. I am looking forward to further cooperation in our pandemic recovery efforts to ‘build back better,’” he noted. (PND)