XIXTH Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement
Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs
21 October 2025
Philippine Statement
Delivered by
HON. CHARLES C. JOSE
Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Economic and International Relations
Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines
Kampala, Uganda | 15 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
I convey my deepest gratitude to Uganda for hosting this NAM Ministerial Meeting and for the reliable and steady leadership of the Movement.
Eight decades after the end of the Second World War, global peace and security remain elusive. Conflicts and geopolitical tensions abound. The rules-based international order is under strain. People have become increasingly divided over ideals, culture, and creed.
Meanwhile, climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable developing, island and desert nations. Ongoing humanitarian crises around the world require our urgent attention and assistance.
The reversal of the global trend of decreasing nuclear stockpiles alarmingly fuels regional conflicts.
In confronting these challenges, the Non-Aligned Movement, a community of like-minded nations that worked towards achieving self-determination and overcoming colonialism, should inspire all of us to find solutions to today's problems.
Mr. Chair,
Since the first Asia-Africa Summit in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955, the Philippines, then a newly independent republic, has proudly stood with fellow non-aligned countries to help usher along peace, and bring balance and equity to the world order.
After its founding, ASEAN also became a long-standing supporter of NAM for its respect for sovereign independence, non-intervention, the rule of law, and solidarity among developing countries.
We would like to see the Movement continue to be a pillar of stability, and not weaken or crumble to the tremors of change.
Fully associating ourselves with the ASEAN statement, my delegation is disappointed by the exclusion of technical and factual updates to paragraphs pertaining to the South China Sea, language that ASEAN has always endeavored to negotiate in good faith in previous NAM Summits and Ministerial Meetings.
Consistent with the spirit of our Movement, we ought to ensure that the voices of all members are heard, particularly on key issues that are close to home.
Mr. Chair,
The Philippines welcomes international efforts to forge peace in the Middle East in the form of the Israel-Hamas peace plan, which resulted in the release of hostages and detainees.
The Philippines hopes this initial step will lead to the immediate and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and usher in long-term peace and stability in the region.
The Philippines reiterates its principled and long-standing support for the two-state solution. We welcome the endorsement of the New York Declaration and the announcement of recognition of the State of Palestine by more countries.
The Philippines is ready to offer its rich experience in humanitarian, peacebuilding, and rehabilitation efforts.
Mr. Chair,
There is a need for the Movement to recall its origins of championing independence and self-determination, rejecting external intervention, and promoting peace, security, human rights and inclusive sustainable development.
NAM must remain actively engaged in the promotion of multilateralism, with the UN at its center. The 80th anniversary of the United Nations this year beckons the family of nations to reinvigorate a global rules-based order anchored on international law and justice.
The Philippines believes that Africa must seize the moment and take its rightful role at the center of international politics and economics, and peace and security.
The Philippines is enhancing its engagement with Africa through South-South cooperation. We intend to open more Posts and to cooperate on healthcare, migration management, and TVET.
We are an advocate for UN Security Council reform and support greater representation of African Member States in the Council. The Philippines wishes to urge NAM to support Africa, and fellow non-aligned nations from other regions.
Mr. Chair,
As one of the 51 founding members of the UN, the Philippines actively helped frame the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Filipino diplomats tirelessly fought against colonization and inequality. We stood in the frontlines of climate diplomacy, not only for ourselves, but for all nations scarred by disasters and extreme weather events. The best of our diplomatic tradition has contributed to the successful adoption of the WHO Pandemic Treaty during the Philippines' Presidency of the World Health Assembly. We continue to shepherd the UN resolutions on combating trafficking in women and girls and violence against women migrants.
With unwavering commitment, the Philippines is always ready for the work of peace. Since the UN's call to respond in the Korean War, and peacekeeping operations in the Congo in 1963, 15,000 Filipino women and men sent to 21 peacekeeping missions in Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific brought with them assistance sorely needed by countries concerned.
With our history as an active contributor to the international community, we campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028. We will bring our longstanding experience and track record as a trusted partner, innovative pathfinder, and committed peacemaker.
We call on NAM Member States to support this important candidature of the Philippines to ensure adequate representation of the Movement in the Security Council.
Let us renew our commitment to the founding principles of the Movement - the sovereignty and solidarity of developing countries.
Let us vigorously work together for justice, peace, and shared prosperity for all our peoples.
Thank you.
END
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