MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, October 9, called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to boost the connectivity and resilience in the region by confronting other complex challenges ahead.
In his speech during the 44th ASEAN Summit plenary, President Marcos emphasized the need for ASEAN member-nations to work hand-in-hand in bolstering the region’s digital economy, food security, tourism, and women empowerment and gender equality.
President Marcos also cited the importance of working together to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“This success should inspire us to tackle – to continue to tackle the other complex challenges ahead. We must continue to deepen our connectivity and fortify our resilience to ensure that we are prepared for emerging challenges and for future shocks,” he said.
“While connectivity strengthens the bonds that bind our community, resilience ensures that ASEAN can endure and adapt to the challenges that may arise,” he added.
For digital economy, the President said they should lay the groundwork for a safe and trusted digital environment that can propel ASEAN into a new era of innovation, growth and opportunity.
The President said they should invest in robust cybersecurity protection, equip its people with digital skills and secure its digital infrastructure as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is poised to boost the region’s digital economy to US$2 trillion by 2030.
In terms of food security, President Marcos said ASEAN members must adopt sustainable agricultural practices to boost the food systems in the region amid threats caused by supply chain disruptions, economic shocks, and weather disturbances.
“We must support efforts that empower and support our farming communities and leverage agricultural technological innovations,” President Marcos told the ASEAN.
He also highlighted the Philippines’ advancement in the ASEAN regional tourism action plans, promoting the region’s rich culture and heritage, and efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable tourism across the region.
The Chief Executive also shared the Philippine government’s efforts in promoting women empowerment and gender equality as he recognized women’s significant role in ASEAN community-building, especially in peacebuilding initiatives.
“Women’s unique perspectives and experiences are critical to building a just and lasting peace. The Philippines is hosting an International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security in Manila this October,” the President said.
“In line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the Philippines seeks to advance efforts that would ensure that women are at the forefront of peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding,” he added.
The President also called on members of the ASEAN to work together to mitigate the effects of climate change, which he considered as the biggest threat to humanity. He added that Southeast Asia remains one of the most vulnerable to climate change.
President Marcos also highlighted the Philippines’ successful hosting of the Loss and Damage Fund.
“As part of our efforts to bolster cooperation on disaster risk reduction and management, the Philippines will be hosting the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in October,” the President said.
“ASEAN must likewise focus on the intersection of climate change and biodiversity. Protecting our rich biodiversity is essential to maintaining the ecosystems that support all of our life. To this end, the Philippines has increased its funding of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity by 25 percent this year, in order to support efforts on the conservation and management of the region’s biological diversity,” he added.
President Marcos urged the ASEAN “to harness to the fullest strength” the external relationships in enriching ASEAN Community-building and continuously strengthen engagement with external partners to reinforce ASEAN Centrality, promote mutual trust, and uphold a rules-based international order that safeguards peace, stability, security, and prosperity for all. (PND)
