(FULL VIDEO) Duterte’s speech at the UN General Assembly

Summary

The speech, delivered on behalf of the Filipino people at the 75th United Nations General Assembly, addresses the unprecedented global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of international collaboration, especially in ensuring equitable access to vaccines and support for health workers. The Philippines emphasizes the need for a coordinated global response, the protection of migrant rights, and the urgent action against climate change. The speech also calls for multilateral unity in addressing geopolitical tensions, terrorism, and the protection of human rights. It stresses the importance of reforming the United Nations to adapt to modern challenges, ensuring peace and progress for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippines addresses the United Nations on the 75th anniversary, highlighting the unprecedented global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities, and the Philippines calls for international cooperation to find a global solution, especially in vaccine distribution.
• 😀 The Philippines supports the idea that the COVID-19 vaccine should be a global public good, accessible to all nations regardless of wealth or status.
• 😀 The Philippines emphasizes the importance of a strong, quick, and coordinated response by the World Health Organization (WHO) in combating COVID-19.
• 😀 Geopolitical tensions, especially in regions like the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula, continue to threaten global stability, requiring dialogue over conflict.
• 😀 Filipino migrant workers have been severely affected by the pandemic, but they continue to play crucial roles as frontline workers globally. The Philippine government has launched a large-scale repatriation program for overseas workers.
• 😀 The Philippines remains committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite economic setbacks caused by the pandemic.
• 😀 The Philippines calls for urgent action to address the climate crisis, stressing that developing countries like the Philippines are disproportionately affected.
• 😀 The Philippines supports the global fight against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks and cooperation in addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
• 😀 The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to international law, including the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, and rejects attempts to undermine it.
• 😀 The Philippines advocates for stronger international cooperation in refugee protection, reiterating its long history of offering sanctuary to displaced people and urging a shared global responsibility to address refugee crises.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech delivered by the President of the Philippines?

The main theme of the speech is addressing the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for international cooperation, emphasizing the Philippines' commitment to multilateralism, and calling for reforms in the United Nations to meet contemporary challenges.

What role does the United Nations play according to the Philippine President's speech?

The United Nations is portrayed as a vital organization that has provided relief and support to many countries during crises, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the speech also emphasizes the need for reform to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness in addressing current global challenges.

How does the President view the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on global society?

The President views the COVID-19 pandemic as an unprecedented crisis that has drastically reshaped the world, affecting lives, economies, and social orders, and posing the greatest test for the global community since World War II.

What is the Philippines' stance on global vaccine distribution?

The Philippines advocates for the COVID-19 vaccine to be treated as a global public good, ensuring universal access to it regardless of a country's wealth. The speech stresses that access to the vaccine should be available to all nations, rich and poor alike.

What does the President say about the economic impact of the pandemic on the Philippines?

The President highlights that the pandemic has led to a recession in the Philippines, derailing its progress toward becoming an upper-middle-income country. Despite this, the Philippines remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

How does the President suggest the world address geopolitical tensions in light of the pandemic?

The President calls for a de-escalation of geopolitical tensions, stressing that heightened tensions benefit no one. He urges global leaders to refrain from hostility, and if nations cannot be friends, they should at least not hate each other, emphasizing the devastating potential of conflicts, particularly nuclear wars.

What is the Philippines' position on the rights and treatment of migrant workers?

The President acknowledges the severe impact of the pandemic on migrant workers, many of whom have lost their livelihoods and lives. He calls for stronger international cooperation to protect migrants' rights, regardless of their status, and emphasizes the need to adhere to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.

What are the President’s views on the climate crisis?

The President stresses the urgency of addressing climate change, particularly in developing nations like the Philippines, which suffer most from its effects. He calls for all nations, especially those who have not fulfilled their commitments, to honor the Paris Agreement in order to combat climate change effectively.

What does the President say about the Philippines' approach to counterterrorism?

The President affirms the Philippines' commitment to fighting terrorism through legal frameworks, referencing the 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act. He also emphasizes addressing the root causes of terrorism, particularly in the aftermath of the Marawi siege, and expresses a desire to partner with others in the fight against terrorism.

How does the President view the South China Sea dispute?

The President reiterates the Philippines' firm stance on the South China Sea dispute, emphasizing that the 2016 arbitral award, which is now part of international law, must be respected. He rejects attempts to undermine the ruling and welcomes the growing international support for it.

What is the Philippines' position on nuclear weapons and non-proliferation?

The President advocates for the full implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Chemical and Biological Weapons Convention. He calls for global efforts to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction and expresses the Philippines' commitment to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.