Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the Philippine delegation at the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80 HLW), held from 22 to 27 September 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

Representing one of the fifty-one founding members of the United Nations—and one of only three in Asia—Secretary Lazaro joined global leaders in commemorating the UN’s 80th anniversary. She underscored the Philippines’ enduring commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order in addressing today’s global challenges.

Throughout the week, Secretary Lazaro engaged in high-level discussions on migration, climate change, child protection in armed conflict, disarmament, artificial intelligence, and maritime security. She delivered keynote remarks at the Philippines-led side event, “Scaling Up Finance and Partnerships for Loss and Damage,” which promoted the Fund Responding to Loss and Damage. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lent his support through a video message, while Environment Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla closed the event.

In a UN Security Council debate on Artificial Intelligence, Lazaro highlighted both the promise and risks of emerging technologies. She also co-chaired the Article XIV Conference on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) alongside Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.

Further advancing the Philippines’ leadership among middle-income nations, Secretary Lazaro opened the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Like-Minded Group for Middle-Income Countries (LMG-MICs), building on the momentum from the April 2025 conference hosted in Manila.

Demonstrating the country’s commitment to ocean governance, Lazaro formally deposited the instrument of ratification for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

The week culminated in Secretary Lazaro’s delivery of the Philippines’ National Statement at the UN General Assembly. She reaffirmed the country’s role as a “partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker,” and emphasized the importance of the UN Charter in tackling poverty, disease, conflict, economic instability, and the climate crisis.

The Philippines is currently campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, leveraging its eight decades of active participation and global contributions.

Secretary Lazaro was joined by key officials including Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, Environment Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Congresswoman Maria Rachel J. Arenas, Permanent Representative Enrique A. Manalo, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, and DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela.