President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his remarks at the United Nations | Photo by Troi Santos
NEW YORK — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged world leaders to “treat women’s empowerment as a non‑negotiable pillar of national progress” during his national statement Monday at the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). His appearance at the UN General Assembly Hall was the centerpiece of his two‑day working visit to New York, where he also held business meetings with major U.S. firms.
Marcos took the podium shortly after 10:00 a.m. (New York time), addressing diplomats, UN officials, and civil society representatives gathered for the opening of the annual global forum on gender equality.
The Philippine delegation included Permanent Representative to the United Nations Enrique A. Manalo and Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, along with senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Communications Office. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro—who was in New York earlier in the week for speaking engagements at the Asia Society and at Baruch College—was also part of the delegation and was present at the United Nations during the President’s visit.
The President emphasized that women’s rights are “a cornerstone of nation‑building,” highlighting the long history of Filipina leadership in government, education, and community life. “If women are educated, safe, able to work, able to lead, able to decide the course of their own lives — then a society is moving forward,” he said.
Diplomats Welcome Message of Inclusion
Reactions from attendees were largely positive, with several diplomats describing the speech as aligned with global priorities on gender equality. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres, who met with Marcos earlier in the day, praised the Philippines as a “bridge‑builder” within the UN and expressed support for Manila’s commitment to multilateralism and international law. “He wants to see and hear the voice of the Philippines in the UN as loud as possible,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said, relaying Guterres’ remarks.
A Southeast Asian diplomat said Marcos’ framing of women’s empowerment as essential to national development “resonated strongly” with regional priorities. A European delegate described the address as “measured but firm,” noting that the President’s emphasis on inclusive decision‑making “aligned with the Commission’s core mission.”
Inside the gallery, several Filipino and Filipino American civil society representatives accredited to CSW70 were also present. These groups typically include women’s-rights advocates, migrant‑worker support organizations, faith‑based networks, and community development groups that regularly participate in UN gender‑equality sessions.
Protesters Gather Outside UN Headquarters
Outside the UN complex on First Avenue, a small but vocal group of an estimated 40–60 activists gathered during the President’s appearance. While official reports did not detail the exact composition of the crowd, demonstrations during high‑level UN events often draw Filipino diaspora groups, human‑rights advocates, and regional solidarity networks.
Signs observed by journalists included messages such as “Protect OFWs Now,” “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights,” and “Stop Violence Against Women.” Chants focused on migrant‑worker safety, women’s rights, and calls for stronger government action in conflict‑affected regions — themes consistent with long‑standing concerns raised by Filipino communities abroad.
Among Fil‑Am civic advocates, typical issues highlighted during UN‑week events include the protection of overseas Filipino workers, the need for stronger gender‑based violence prevention programs, and calls for greater government transparency. While no specific public statements were issued in direct response to Marcos’s speech as of Monday evening, these themes remain central to the advocacy work of many diaspora organizations.
Business Meetings Held After UN Speech
Following his UN address, Marcos held two closed‑door business meetings with major U.S. firms on Monday afternoon, according to Malacañang. The engagements were part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic partnerships with American industries.
While the Palace did not disclose the venue, host, or format of the meetings, officials described them as “productive” and focused on opportunities in infrastructure, digital transformation, and clean energy. No public panel, Q&A session, or investor forum was announced, and there were no verified reports of a visit to the New York Stock Exchange.
A senior Philippine economic official, speaking on background, said the discussions centered on “long‑term investment confidence” and the Philippines’ push for innovation‑driven growth. Marcos reportedly highlighted the country’s young workforce, expanding digital ecosystem, and ongoing reforms to improve ease of doing business.
No UN Speech Scheduled for March 10
Despite speculation online, Marcos is not scheduled to deliver another UN speech on March 10. His national statement at CSW70 on March 9 was his sole public address at the United Nations during this trip. The President remains in New York through March 11 for bilateral meetings and consultations with UN officials and private‑sector partners.
However, Malacañang sources indicated that President Marcos is expected to return to the United Nations on March 10 for continued diplomatic engagements tied to the Philippines’ bid for a non‑permanent seat on the UN Security Council. These are understood to be closed‑door consultations with UN member‑state delegations rather than a formal public address.
Philippine officials said the visit aims to advance both diplomatic and economic priorities, including the country’s bid for a non‑permanent seat on the UN Security Council and efforts to secure new investments in key sectors.
As Marcos continues his engagements in New York, his administration is expected to release additional details on the outcomes of his business meetings and consultations.
