In visit to PH Senate, former UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon calls for global solidarity

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri welcomes former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the Philippine Senate Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Senate Media Pool.

MANILA -- Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited the Philippine Senate on Tuesday, where he called for global solidarity and an increased effort to achieve the sustainable development goals and implement the Paris climate change agreement.

Addressing the Senate plenary, Ban said much work is still needed, pointing out that progress in achieving some of the goals has “stagnated” and “reversed” in some sectors.

He also underscored the role of the United Nations in pursuing peace and security, human rights and development, saying its values and principles should be replicated as exemplified by UN peacekeepers, aid workers, and health specialists.

“Our work is certainly not done yet. Indeed, climate crisis, pandemics, regional conflicts as well as economic crises disrupt human societies. Our progress on achieving the 17 sustainable development goals ahead of the 2030 target date has stagnated. In some sectors, it has reversed. At the same time, our climate action on the road to net zero emission by 2050 lacks the requisite urgency to meet the moment,” Ban said.

“This is why there has never been a more vital time in history to come together in cooperation, partnership and solidarity to redouble our efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals and implement the Paris climate change agreement. We simply must prioritize global action at all levels,” he added.

Zubiri said this was the first time a visiting foreign dignitary addressed the Senate during its session.

Coinciding with Ban’s visit, the Senate adopted and ratified proposed Senate resolution No 936 or the agreement between the Philippines and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) establishing the GGGI office in the Philippines.

The Senate also passed Senate Resolution No. 929 filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, expressing the profound sense of the Senate in honoring the 8th UN secretary general and commending “his outstanding global contributions.”