United nations: United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ant³nio Guterres on Monday (New York time) expressed his appreciation for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s efforts in promoting peace and democracy in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, Guterres and Marcos met on the sidelines of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN headquarters. During their meeting, Guterres wished Marcos well in the Philippines' campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC), as shared by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro with reporters.
Guterres, Castro mentioned, expressed hope that the Philippines' voice would continue to be heard in the UN, describing the country as a 'bridge-builder' within the global body. He highlighted that the Philippines has been known in the UN for its role in fostering dialogue and cooperation.
The Philippine candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UNSC, with elections scheduled for June 3, will reflect the country's ongoing commitment to its long-standing relationship with the UN. Guterres also expressed the UN's full support for the Philippines' leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), recognizing the regional bloc's role in promoting global cooperation.
He commended ASEAN for maintaining the importance of international law and respecting the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' status as a committed partner and one of the founding members of the UN.
Marcos recalled his previous meeting with Guterres in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they discussed developments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He noted progress in the region and shared that elections in BARMM are expected to be held this year.
Marcos expressed gratitude to the UN for its significant role in BARMM's development, particularly highlighting the financial support provided by various UN agencies to help promote peace and progress in the region.
