New york: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (New York time) called on the international community to exercise restraint and pursue an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other war-torn regions. During the special plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters, Marcos urged all parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter and humanitarian law.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos joined calls for restraint, a de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, urging respect for international law, including the UN Charter and humanitarian law, and a return to the negotiating table for peace. He called for urgent action for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Yemen, and Myanmar, emphasizing that the people in these regions continue to live in fear and despair.
Marcos appealed to the UN Security Council to lead global efforts to de-escalate conflicts. He reiterated the Philippines' support for international calls for restraint, de-escalation, and cessation of hostilities. He stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflict, emphasizing that these tragedies must stop and that innocents must be protected with their basic needs immediately provided.
Citing the Global Humanitarian Overview for 2026, Marcos noted that around USD23 billion is required to save around 87 million lives. He urged all parties to the conflicts and the international community to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation arising from such conflicts. Marcos highlighted the necessity of the safe, free, and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to people in need, noting that this is non-negotiable for conflict zones including the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Yemen, and Myanmar.
Marcos also emphasized the importance of unity and expressed hope for an end to the human cost of conflict. He reminded that not long ago, a pledge was made for a new beginning to multilateralism, promising to protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war, ensuring safety, security, dignity, and a healthy planet for all of humanity.
