A Seat At The Table

By James Jimenez

At a recent vin d’honneur, hosted by Malacañang for the diplomatic corps – with ambassadors from 54 countries and the heads of 11 international organizations in attendance – the President urged support for the Philippines’ bid for one of the 10 non-permanent seats at the United Nations Security Council. The last time we sat at that table was nearly twenty years ago.

Securing a seat at the UNSC will allow the country to demonstrate leadership on a global stage. More importantly, it will also amplify our voice in shaping decisions that impact international stability. As a member of the Council, we raise our international profile that much more, giving us a better chance of advancing our interests internationally.

Realgeopolitik

Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, the Philippines sits along the vital maritime routes that connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This places us, strategically, at the intersection of global trade and security concerns – particularly in the fraught waters of the West Philippine Sea (or the South China Sea, if you like).

Not particularly strong militarily, we have been a champion of peaceful dispute resolution in these waters, in the process accumulating much experience and knowledge regarding international legal mechanisms, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). So much so that, in 2016, we were able to parlay our knowledge and insight into a landmark arbitral tribunal ruling against China.

With that sort of experience in realgeopolitk, the Philippines could no doubt enrich UNSC deliberations on maritime security and conflict resolution in our part of the world.

Migrant Labor

As one of the world’s leading sources of migrant labor, the Philippines’ commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of migrants also sets it apart as a candidate for the UNSC.

With over 10 million Filipinos living and working abroad, the country has firsthand experience addressing the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, including exploitation, discrimination, and lack of access to justice. These issues intersect with global security concerns, particularly in regions affected by armed conflict or economic instability. By championing the rights of migrants within the UNSC, the Philippines could bring greater attention to the human dimensions of security, advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and protect vulnerable populations.

Citizens of the World

Apart from these considerations, the Philippines’s fitness for a seat at the UNSC can only be strengthened by its long history of active participation and commitment to peacekeeping and multilateralism all around the world. Showing Filipinos to be true citizens of the world, the country has consistently sent its sons and daughters into harm’s way, in the name of maintaining global peace. In Haiti, South Sudan, and the Golan Heights, Filipino peacekeepers have earned recognition for professionalism and dedication – reflecting the nation’s deep-seated belief in collective security and international cooperation.

More than that, and owing perhaps to its military limitations, the Philippines has been a long time and extremely vocal advocate for a rules-based international order, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

As a developing nation and an archipelagic state, facing significant challenges related to natural disasters, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change, the Philippines brings to the table, an approach to the issue of security that highlights the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and conflict prevention.

This unique perspective of ensuring that the security implications of climate change and disaster risk reduction are addressed alongside traditional threats such as armed conflict and terrorism, will serve to broaden the UNSC’s agenda, much to the benefit of many nations in the developing world.

Seeking the UNSC seat now, therefore, is simply the logical next-step.

Parochial Considerations

Let’s face it. There are also very parochial considerations underpinning our campaign to secure a seat at the UNSC. A successful bid would our regional standing, bolstering our posture as a regional leader with the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN), as much as it would demonstrate – here at home, for domestic audiences, as it were – the government’s ability to play a meaningful role in global governance. Fostering a sense of national pride and confidence would merely be the least of the benefits.

A seat at the UNSC will also allow the country to deepen its diplomatic engagements, and allow us to forge stronger partnerships and alliances. These strengthened bonds will enhance our ability to address pressing challenges, from managing territorial disputes to combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking and illicit trade. Additionally, the experience gained from working within the UNSC could strengthen the Philippines’ institutional capacity for international diplomacy, positioning it to take on more prominent roles in global governance in the future.

This matters

More than seeking prestige, or improving its own position in the politics of the world, the Philippines’ campaign to secure a seat at the table is, at bottom, a genuine effort to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. At the end of the day, our history and lived experiences as a nation will bring a unique insight to the Council allowing us to help bridge divides, advocate for marginalized voices, and promote practical solutions to complex global challenges.