Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the new United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Arnaud Peral, have expressed their commitment to fostering stronger partnerships between the Philippines and the international body. This commitment was articulated during Peral’s courtesy call on Marcos at Malaca±an Palace.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) shared that Marcos and Peral discussed ways to enhance collaboration between the Philippine government and the UN. Their discussion centered on advancing the country’s development agenda and making progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting underscored the UN’s role in supporting the Philippine government in advancing national development priorities.

Peral began his role as UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines on February 1, with the host government’s approval. He has over 25 years of experience with the UN, having held leadership roles such as UN Resident Coordinator in Tunisia, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Ecuador, and others. Before joining the UN, Peral served in various capacities, including Cooperation Counsellor for Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the French Embassy in Cuba.

Peral’s academic credentials include a master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Paris X-Nanterre and a bachelor’s degree in Economic Policy from the University Pierre Mendes France, Grenoble. The UN remains a key partner of the Philippines in achieving national development goals and the 2030 Agenda, which includes the 17 SDGs aimed at ending poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring global peace and prosperity.