New york: The Philippines, led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, is making a compelling case for its candidacy as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term. In her strategic address, Lazaro emphasized the nation's "proven track record" in fostering global peace, asserting that the Philippines is fully prepared to contribute effectively should it secure the necessary votes on June 3.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines is vying for the sole seat allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group, competing against Kyrgyzstan. The race has been framed as a question of regional rotation, but Lazaro argues that the primary consideration should be each candidate's contribution to peace and security, as outlined in Article 23 of the UN Charter. With its candidacy filed in 2013, the Philippines highlights its longstanding commitment to multilateral engagement and its readiness to address global challenges such as armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and climate-security issues.
Lazaro underscored the strategic importance of having a "trusted voice" from Southeast Asia on the Security Council. In an era where Western-led institutions face legitimacy deficits, the Philippines, with its decades of diplomatic relationships and trust-building, is positioned as a credible candidate capable of brokering compromises and upholding international law.
In a significant boost to its candidacy, Israel has explicitly expressed support for the Philippines. Israel's Ambassador to the Philippines, Dana Kursh, confirmed this backing, highlighting shared values and goals between the two nations. Kursh emphasized the strategic importance of the Philippines' potential contribution to the UNSC, noting the country's ability to make a significant impact in the multinational arena.
On June 3, the UN General Assembly will elect five non-permanent members to replace the outgoing members whose terms conclude at the end of 2026. The Philippines' candidacy continues to gain momentum, bolstered by Israel's support and its robust case for contributing to global peace and security.
