Duterte to join UN General Assembly

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will join the high-level general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to be held this week and is expected to push for universal access to COVID-19 vaccines and the welfare of migrant workers.

The event, whose theme is “Building resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations,” will take place from Sept. 21 to 27.

Duterte will speak on the first day of the event (within 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. of Sept. 22, Philippine time), according to a statement issued by Malacañang yesterday.

“President Duterte will advance Philippine positions on global issues of key concern such as universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, climate change, human rights, including the situation of migrant workers and refugees, and international and regional security developments,” the statement read.

The debate will be presided over by Abdulla Shahid of Maldives, incoming president of the 76th UNGA. It will follow a hybrid format of in-person and virtual attendance of delegates because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UNGA is the main deliberating organ of the UN where all 193 member states are represented.