The government of the Philippines has reached out to United Nations (UN) agencies, urging them to align their programs with the country’s national development agenda. This appeal was made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), with the aim of ensuring that UN programs deliver significant benefits and sustained impacts for the country.
In a statement released on Monday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed their vision of a new action-oriented partnership between the Philippines and the UN. They emphasized the Philippines’ long-standing tradition of supporting effective multilateralism and highlighted the recently signed Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (SDCF) with the UN as a compass and platform for international development bodies to craft solutions that improve the economic status of Filipinos.
Secretary Manalo, speaking at the UN Day Forum held in Makati, emphasized the need for changes to be implemented where and when they are needed, with national and local actors and communities serving as the agents of change. He highlighted the importance of the UN’s assistance in achieving this goal.
Secretary Balisacan identified key sectors reflected in the SDCF’s priority areas that would greatly benefit from synergizing the UN’s assistance with the Philippine government’s strategies. These sectors include food security, workforce upskilling, and climate action. The DFA stated that the ultimate objective is to focus concerted efforts on directing resources and plans towards enhancing the country’s capacity for coherent and effective development practices, utilizing the UN SDCF.
The Philippines’ call for alignment between UN programs and the national development agenda is a proactive step towards maximizing the impact of international assistance. By ensuring that UN programs are in line with the country’s priorities, the government aims to achieve sustainable development and improve the economic well-being of its people.
Aligning UN programs with the national development agenda is not only beneficial for the Philippines but also for the UN agencies themselves. By working in harmony with the country’s strategies, UN programs can have a more significant and lasting impact. This collaboration allows for the pooling of resources, expertise, and knowledge, resulting in more effective solutions to the challenges faced by the Philippines.
Furthermore, aligning programs with the national development agenda ensures that the assistance provided by the UN is tailored to the specific needs of the country. It takes into account local laws, customs, and cultural sensitivities, making the programs more relevant and acceptable to the Filipino people. This approach promotes ownership and empowerment among the local actors and communities, enabling them to actively participate in the development process.
The call for alignment also highlights the importance of partnerships between governments and international organizations. The Philippines recognizes the value of working together with the UN to achieve common goals. Through this collaborative approach, the country can leverage the expertise and resources of the UN agencies, while the agencies can benefit from the insights and experiences of the Philippine government.
In conclusion, the Philippines’ appeal for UN agencies to align their programs with the national development agenda demonstrates the government’s commitment to achieving sustainable development and improving the lives of its people. By working in synergy with the UN, the country aims to maximize the impact of international assistance and create positive and lasting change.
Source: The Manila Times
