In a stirring tribute to international cooperation and peace, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the United Nations in the Philippines, celebrated the 80th anniversary of the United Nations with a diplomatic reception titled *“UN Day 2025: A Celebration of 80 Years of Hope and Endeavor.”* The event highlighted the Philippines’ enduring legacy as one of the UN’s founding members and its continued role in shaping global dialogue.

Held at the DFA headquarters ahead of the official UN Day on October 24, the gathering brought together over 180 guests, including diplomats, UN officials, government representatives, academics, and students from nearly 10 universities.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the celebration, delivering keynote remarks that honored the Philippines’ eight-decade partnership with the UN. “In 1945, standing at the cusp of freedom, the Philippines became one of the UN’s founding members, affirming our faith in the belief that peace and progress can only be achieved through cooperation among nations,” she said.

The event featured a lecture and panel discussion that retraced the Philippines’ contributions to the UN—from General Carlos P. Romulo’s historic presidency of the UN General Assembly to the country’s active involvement in peacekeeping, humanitarian missions, and global reform initiatives.

Topics explored included climate change, emerging technologies, financing for development, and the future of multilateralism. Distinguished speakers included UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral, DFA-UNIO Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela, and experts from academia and international organizations.

Undersecretary for Policy Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement and academic discourse in shaping the future of diplomacy.

The celebration is part of a broader series of activities organized by the DFA, which began with the launch of UN80 commemorative stamps by PHLPost in June 2025.

As Secretary Lazaro concluded, “The international community can count on the Philippines to be a steadfast vanguard of the UN Charter and partner and friend to all, as it has been in the past 80 years.”

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