Position paper for Philippines
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
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| Member States have discussed opportunities to codify space regulations for decades. This is needed to ensure space is used for peaceful purposes, not as a new warfront. Space warfare is a world concern, and as such, the United Nations (UN), in Resolution 78/238 (2023) has decided that prevention of an arms race in space is of the utmost priority. The UN created the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in 1958 to use peaceful and future-looking philosophy in space exploration. The Philippines abides by the treaties affirmed by the international community, specifically the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty, also established with UNOOSA in 1966 Resolution 2222 XXI). The Philippines agrees to prevent the usage of space for purposes that are counterproductive to international peace and security. In Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has a partnership with the UN and the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OWEG) is creating regional legislation to codify the use of space. This partnership has affirmed the UN’s decisions on the use of space for general scientific purposes only. The Republic of the Philippines is also conducting research in space to benefit national interests, which we believe are best facilitated through the UN. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UN to focus on cooperation and ethical use of space. The Republic of the Philippines affirms the need for international cooperation that creates value in space and allows for scientific advancement, both on Earth and beyond. Through collaboration with the UN, the Philippines has worked to bolster the capacity of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in four key ways: to utilize space science and technology for socioeconomic development, to collaborate with other Member States on satellite usage for disaster reduction and emergency response, to expand frameworks of international space law and to educate the public about the continued opportunities of space. At the upcoming meeting, the Philippines hopes to continue dialogue on these pillars, ultimately promoting a peaceful exploration of space. With the UN and regional partnerships, Member States can use space for research, to enrich their socioeconomic possibilities and to better the world at large. Responsible space exploration that limits risk is the preferred method to navigate the new frontier while reducing space threats. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
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| Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) present issues with international trade and are an immense threat to lives across the international community, especially when obtained illicitly. In a report to the Secretary General pursuant to Security Council resolution 2220 (2015), the UN’s goals of disarmament are elaborated upon, which include protection of civilians, peace operations, peace and security of women, the indescribable effects of war on children and prevention of transnational organized crime. The UN offers arms embargoes as a possible solution, which are described in an explanation of terms as an attempt to prevent direct and indirect supply and transfer of SALW to specific individuals or entities. The Republic of the Philippines’ goal is to implement these strategies in all regions of our country. We are attempting to fulfill the resolution of the UN by minimizing disruption to civilian life and respecting human rights while dismantling illegal arms networks. ASEAN has implemented the Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling and the Regional Roadmap Towards Regional Mechanism on Weapons Regulation. These address arms smuggling, which is a very present issue in the world as well as in the Philippines, as we face over 2 million unregistered arms and significant arms smuggling across the borders of our country. We align with ASEAN on these principles and are working towards a nation that is safe and respectful while eliminating the illicit small arms trade. The Joint Normalization Committee- Government of the Philippines (JNC-GPH) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are compiling information to address the goals set by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA). The Philippines acknowledges that we are not yet at the forefront of disarmament but are working with the ODA and ASEAN to fix past struggles with illicit small arms trade. We will use the policy of the UN to ensure that small arms are traded legally and used in ways that are not detrimental to society. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
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| The United Nations identifies disparities between the costs and benefits of globalization among developed and developing nations. This is supported in the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade (1970) which strategizes policies to promote increased interdependence, and in resolution 55/2, where the UN formally adopts the Millenium Development Goals, with MDG 8 emphasizing multilateral donors to increase technical and financial assistance to countries to meet specific development needs. The UN draws links between low member state participation and lack of progress in the Human Development Report (2000). Regionally, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) encourages economic growth through their ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) initiative, promoting a single Southeast Asian market to promote free flow of goods and capital to enhance economic integration. In resolution 81/2, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) encourages Member States to strengthen regional ties to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and urban development. The World Bank reports high income inequality in the Philippines, with a GINI coefficient above 40 and the top 1% holding 17% of national income with 14% of income shared by the bottom 50%. This has persisted due to lack of upward mobility prospects, lack of innovation, and lasting effects from COVID-19. Disproportionate globalization effects are addressed in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which aims to promote job creation, reduce poverty, and build a more globally inclusive and competitive market. Resolution 77/175, adopted by consensus, calls for a globalization process that benefits all people and societies, promoting financing for development of trade systems with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and debt relief. Harmful effects of trade restrictions by developed nations on developing countries is recognized in resolution 46/210, for which the Philippines voted in favor. The Philippines advocates for fairer global trade rules and market access over development assistance to create greater economic self-sufficiency, and seeks to foster deeper conversations regarding the establishment of the Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance as welcomed by resolution 77/175. In recognizing the reforms in the international financial system to make it more responsive to developing countries, promote the free flow of capital, and strengthen economically cooperative initiatives, the Philippines hopes to come to consensus with other member states on actionable steps that can be taken to make such reforms feasible. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
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| The Paris Agreement, adopted at the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) addresses global climate concerns and provides economic and social frameworks to cut harmful gas emissions. Resolution 70/1 supports this and formally adopts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with SDG 13 calling upon Member States to integrate climate change measures into national policies. However, significant progress is lacking, with the 1.5°C global warming limit established at COP21 being exceeded in 2024 and remaining breached. The Coral Triangle Initiative, a multilateral partnership among Indo-Pacific countries, addresses climate change and biodiversity preservation by facilitating sustainable development cooperation through their Regional Plan of Action (RPOA). The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), through the Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model, promotes clean technologies and enhances renewable energy efficiency. The World Bank identifies the Philippines as at-risk for severe climate change impacts, with rising sea levels and extreme heat increasing risks for a potential 6% loss in annual GDP by 2100. The Philippines works to protect the global climate through their Climate Change Commission, which implements environmental protective policies. The Philippines’ host position of the International Fund against Climate-related Loss and Damage supports this and provides financial assistance to vulnerable developing nations affected by climate change impacts. Human rights council resolution 59/25, which the Philippines sponsored, urges Member States to fulfill climate finance goals and assist developing nations with ethical transition to low-carbon economies. Resolution 77/276, adopted by consensus, builds upon this and requests the opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change obligations. The Philippines is committed to climate justice through the use of resilience-focused adaptation plans, renewable energy solutions, and integration into national policies at all levels of government. As an environmentally vulnerable island nation, the Philippines calls upon Member States to delegate funds to ensure sustainable adoption of climate change initiatives and keep gas emissions low to ensure future prosperity. Additionally, the Philippines requests deep and productive conversation regarding non-governmental-organizations and how they can be empowered to further the initiatives of SDG 13 and those outlined in resolution 59/25, and calls upon other member states to follow in the footsteps of the People’s Survival Fund of the Philippines and develop a national fund for which NGOs can access to support their efforts. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
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| The United Nations (UN) has explicitly affirmed its calls for self-determination with Article 1(2) of the Charter based on the priority of “developing inter-governmental relationships founded on respect for the principle of equal rights and the self-determination of peoples.” As an original charter signatory, the Philippines maintained the importance of self-determination. Acting in conjunction with the UN’s 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Philippines affirms that domestic remedies take priority over complementary international action. The Philippines comprises 2,000 inhabited islands and 182 ethnolinguistic groups, among which the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) describes 17 million citizens as indigenous peoples (IPs). With such diversity, the Philippines has prioritized protecting equitable domestic representation. Monumentally, the 1986 Constitution codified the protection of culture and land amongst indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) and IPs. The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 ensured indigenous rights to self-governance, ancestral domains, and the recognition of tribal barangays – or administrative sectors. These policies continue to produce globally relevant outcomes, such as the UN-celebrated (and supported via the Peace Building Fund) establishment in 2019 of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This marked a major step toward peacefully resolving decades of conflict with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Consistent with domestic policies, the Philippines has a long-standing record of supporting decolonization and self-determination efforts globally. Co-sponsoring the sweeping resolution 1514 (XV), the Philippines joined in calling for haste in decolonization efforts and the immediate end of foreign “trust” dependency governance. Affirmatively voting on GA Resolution 42/95, the Philippines demonstrated concerns of self-determination regarding “Bantustans” and targeting racial discrimination. Although celebratory of the UN's past successes, the Philippines has continued to align with global and regional calls for action. Concurrent with its previous stance presented at the Peacebuilding Commission on the 2025 Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture, the Philippines maintains that, “peacebuilding should always be nationally-owned and nationally-led because 'the localization of peace' is an important investment…” However, international support remains critical (especially for recently post-colonial or indigenous states) in addressing questions of self-determination, the PBF’s primary goal. Unfortunately, its original allocation in 2005 under GA A/60/180 has fallen to half its initial target. Therefore, the Philippines recommends that the Third Committee of the General Assembly devote significant attention to the PBF and its financial situation, given its own success with PBF support. Additionally, the Philippines requests consideration of A/AC.109/2025/L.3 ongoing review in the Special Committee on Decolonization regarding non-self-governing territories to be examined and implemented into policy. Finally, the Philippines emphasizes multilateral collaboration as foundational to the goals of the founding Charter and the Philippines’ goals for self-determination. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| The adoption of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) via A/Res/70/1 was a triumphant decision, emphasizing gender equality and the empowerment of all women. Unfortunately, a decade later, a 2025 UN study synthesizing reports from 54 organizations found that no SDG 5 indicator goals have been met, with 80 nations missing critical data, especially on rural women. UN Women concludes that women account for two-thirds of the global illiterate and just 20% of land holdings. Despite globally stalled progress, a 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) study found the Philippines is 20th globally in gender equality, leading the Asian continent. This has transitioned to regional leadership, chairing the main committee that negotiated the UN Women (UNW) 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA). Key to its success is the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), a nexus of progress in education, leadership access, agricultural rights, and financial opportunity. Partnering with the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), the PCW initiated UDF-PHI-07-184-4005, conducting widespread bi-monthly oversight meetings focused on information exchange between the Government and rural women's groups. Furthermore, it offers financial support to Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK), a pre-existing coalition of organizations representing rural working women, particularly indigenous, pushing policy recommendations. Such efforts culminated in the 13th-highest labor parity scores. Globally achieving SDG 5, especially for rural women, requires urgency, accountability, and collaboration on information. In this spirit, the Philippines urges all nations to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), obligating States Parties to take appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination and violence against women, particularly in rural areas, as outlined in Article 10(A). Finally, the Philippines will work under GA 3 to create mechanisms for founding cooperatives, with the PKKK as a model for success under CEDAW parameters, paired with new formalized guidelines for national progress and localized aid from these cooperatives. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
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| Covering over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, the ocean sustains life by providing food, shelter, and half of the oxygen humans breathe. Additionally, roughly 40 percent of the world’s population lives within 62 miles of a coastline, yet only 15 percent of these areas are ecologically intact. The UN has recognized the need to protect the ocean, marked by the adoption of resolution A/RES/71/312, which outlines the adverse impacts of climate change on the ocean, including the rise in ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, sea- level rise, and extreme weather events and emphasizes the need to increase cooperation between all stakeholders and develop and implement effective adaptation and mitigation measures. The Philippines, as the second-largest archipelagic nation in the world, relies on marine ecosystems for the livelihood of its citizens and food security, making ocean protection a national priority. Through regional partnership, the Philippines is committed to the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security Regional Plan of Action (CTI-CFF RPOA), which aims to improve the health of coastal and marine ecosystems, prioritize threatened species and fisheries, and increase risk resilience. At the 10th Our Oceans Conference, the Philippines joined the call for ocean action, affirming its voluntary commitment and proposing further cooperation. Furthermore, the Philippines has developed its own CTI National Plan of Action (NPOA), declaring oceans as both a heritage and a shared responsibility and calling for a balance between economic progress and environmental stewardship. With the passing of Republic Act No. 11898, the Philippines is committed to working hand-in-hand with the ocean-based plastic recovery initiatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as well as the ongoing formulation of a National Ocean Environments Policy for the holistic protection and conservation of marine environments from Ridge to Reef to Shelf, and even in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Recognizing the dire threats that ocean and marine ecosystems face, the Philippines advocates for investment in eco-ships, ports, and maritime infrastructure, including initiatives on green ports, shoreline cleanups, carbon reduction, and disaster resilience. Under the framework of a blue economy, the Philippines calls for responsible maritime tourism, eco-friendly operations, and sustainable fisheries. The Philippines looks forward to working with Member States to strengthen and institutionalize ocean governance, combat marine pollution, protect coral reefs, and conserve endangered marine species. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| In 2025, the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) forecasted 305.1 million people in need of humanitarian aid, yet only 189.5 million people have been targeted for aid. In June, less than 17% of the $46 billion needed to meet global humanitarian needs in 2025 had been received, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The Philippines asserts the importance of UN resolutions E/RES/2024/8 and A/RES/79/140, urging the strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance and encouraging inclusive economic growth and sustainable development as essential means of prevention of and preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies. Regionally, the Philippines collaborated with other Member States to create the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), which strengthens disaster monitoring, preparedness, and response, and capacity building. Through the passing of the Republic Act No. 10821 the Philippines is further committed to humanitarian aid efforts as the act mandates the provision of emergency relief and protection for children before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations. As co-chair of the International Committee of the Red Cross-led Global International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Committees Workstream, the Philippines underscores its leadership in institutionalizing IHL across government and co-hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional IHL Conference. Recognizing the dire need for a restructuring of the global humanitarian system, the Philippines calls for a reset, one that is people-centered and grounded in humanitarian principles. The Philippines urges Member States to prioritize ensuring principled and inclusive humanitarian action, advancing compliance with IHL, and reforming humanitarian financing to be more equitable, efficient, and locally driven. For humanitarian funding, the Philippines urges Member States to support anticipatory systems integrated into national social protection programs, scalable emergency cash transfers, and digital aid delivery platforms. The Philippines stands ready to work with all Member States to rebuild a humanitarian system that is anticipatory, inclusive, lean, and principled. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
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| Nuclear weapons have been, and still are, a potent threat to all of humanity. The Delegation from the Republic of the Philippines recognizes the need to decrease the amount of nuclear weapons that currently exist in the world, which stands at 13,000. The delegation also seeks to prevent and deter criminals and terrorist organizations from obtaining or producing radioactive materials, as well as prevent state actors from using radioactive materials and their corresponding sites maliciously, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines as “nuclear security”. The United Nations (UN) has long pushed for and devoted significant time and effort to the goal of total nuclear disarmament and prohibition. The Delegation from the Republic of the Philippines shares that goal, cosponsoring and actively promoting Security Council Resolution S/RES/1540, which “requires all member states of the UN to prevent non-state actors, such as terrorists, from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their associated materials and means of delivery,” establishing the 1540 Committee (1540). Within the 1540 Committee, the Republic of the Philippines has been an active participant and proponent of its activities, serving as vice-chairman of 1540 from 2004-2005, submitting national reports on the implementation of 1540’s agenda, and becoming a leading voice in the region of Southeast Asia and the Pacific for compliance with 1540 and broader nuclear security frameworks. The Republic of the Philippines has passed and implemented the Strategic Trace Management Act (STMA), which seeks to “prevent the proliferation of WMDs by managing the trading of strategic goods”. Additionally, the Delegation from the Republic of the Philippines has participated in peer reviews with neighboring Singapore to enhance the implementation of 1540. These peer reviews shared information, experiences, and challenges to identify areas for improvement related to implementation of the resolution (1540) with a particular focus on export controls. Furthermore, the Republic of the Philippines has signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996 and ratified in 2000 respectively, which was created to ban nuclear explosions in their entirety. In the pursuit of nuclear security and the furtherance of the IAEA’s agenda, the Delegation from the Republic of the Philippines calls on all member states of the UN to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), as well as enforce and expand upon existing international frameworks designed to limit or prohibit WMDs and their explosions, such as the CTBT and the STWA. The TPNW seeks to “outlaw all nuclear weapons and prohibit all related activities, including their testing, possession, and use.” The Republic of the Philippines firmly believes that by signing and ratifying the TPNW, a safer world, free from nuclear weapons, would be possible. Additionally, it is important that all nations are prepared to protect nuclear security and combat those who wish to use nuclear materials for malicious purposes. Due to that reason, the Republic of the Philippines calls on global replications of the bilateral peer reviews conducted by the Philippines with Singapore, where nations work with their neighboring countries to share information regarding the furtherance of nuclear security and identify areas of improvement within their regions. The Republic of the Philippines recognizes the severe threat that terrorist organizations pose, and calls on all nations to be ready if or when these organizations strike. Global replications of the peer reviews, the total ratification of the TPNW, and the expanded enforcement of existing international frameworks such as the CTBT and STWA, would be effective methods to this end, and advance the IAEA’s agenda regarding nuclear security. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
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| The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) goal is to “promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide.” The Delegation from the Republic of the Philippines wholeheartedly concurs with this goal, sharing the view that nuclear materials have practical and positive applications. Through the use of nuclear technology, critical milestones the IAEA has set for itself, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), can be met. The SDGs the IAEA has set focus on are areas like health, food, the environment, water, industry, and energy, all of which nuclear technology and scientific innovation can stimulate. The Republic of the Philippines recognizes this potential, and is actively establishing a Nuclear Medicine Research and Innovation Center to improve cancer care and pioneer substances to stop bleeding (hemostatic agents) using gamma irradiation. Additionally, the Republic of the Philippines has welcomed its position as a pilot for the NUTECH Plastics Initiative, which applies nuclear technology to upcycle plastic waste. NUTECH also uses nuclear applications for managing pollution and radioactivity in its marine and terrestrial ecosystems it operates in, like the Republic of the Philippines. Finally, the Republic of the Philippines supports efforts to improve crop resilience and yield through plant mutation breeding and enhance food safety and agricultural practices. All of these practices the Republic of the Philippines currently employs or advocates for are intended to meet the SDGs the IAEA has set out for its signatories. In order to strengthen the IAEA’s activities related to nuclear science, technology, and applications, and meet the SDGs the IAEA itself has set, the Republic of the Philippines calls on all nations to expand the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) and repurpose it as a global initiative, extending its expiration date past 2029. The RCA is a cooperative agreement among IAEA member states in Asia and the Pacific to promote and coordinate nuclear science and technology. Within this agreement, the promotion of the routine use of isotope hydrology tools will serve as a means to improve the cleanliness and security of drinkable water, an SDG. Additionally, the agreement would support countries in the mobilizing of peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, “thereby enhancing global capabilities for the effective use of radioisotope and radiation-based techniques.” This would foster cleaner and safer industrial practices and resource management, and advance key SDGs the IAEA has set for all member nations to adhere to. To that end, the Republic of the Philippines does affirm. | |
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