Marcos to attend UN sessions, rally support for Security Council campaign

NEW YORK - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to New York from March 8 to 11, 2026, for a working visit centered on key United Nations engagements including advancing the Philippines’ campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council.

During his visit, Marcos is expected to attend the opening of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, underscoring Manila’s commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development.

The President is also scheduled to deliver a message at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to outline the Philippines’ priorities on multilateral cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.

A key objective of the trip is to strengthen diplomatic support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Philippine officials have been actively engaging member states in recent months as part of the country’s campaign to serve on the council, which plays a central role in maintaining international peace and security.

Malacañang said the working visit reflects the administration’s continued push to elevate the Philippines’ voice on the global stage. The government has emphasized its commitment to rules-based international order, peaceful dispute resolution, climate action, and the protection of vulnerable populations priorities expected to form part of the President’s message at the UN.

Diplomatic observers note that securing a Security Council seat would provide Manila with a stronger platform to influence global policy discussions, particularly on regional security issues in the Indo-Pacific.

Additional details regarding bilateral meetings and side engagements with world leaders are expected to be announced ahead of the President’s departure.

If successful, the Philippines’ Security Council bid would mark another significant chapter in its long-standing engagement with the United Nations headquartered in New York.