Duterte urges ASEAN and UN to collaborate for regional development

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN) to collaborate in enhancing cooperation to address conflict and promote sustainable development.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement after Duterte's intervention during the 10th ASEAN-UN Summit.

Panelo said Duterte urged both parties to enhance cooperation in sustainable security.

According to the President, both organizations must promote counter-narratives to address the message of hate and destruction propagated by violent extremists and terrorists, citing the Philippines' experience in Marawi.

Duterte also asked both parties to pursue preventive diplomacy, including the advancement of women in peace and security agenda.

The Philippines is a pioneer in this area and may share practices such as the establishment of the ASEAN Women's Peace Registry.

Duterte added that the ASEAN and the UN should also work together to address problems regarding climate change since it traps the development of countries. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News