MARCH 7, 2025 — As the Philippines edges closer to becoming an upper middle-income economy, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainable financing, and strategic governance as key areas where the Philippines and the United Nations can develop partnership opportunities to ensure a successful and inclusive transition for the country. 

These key priorities were central to discussions at the Philippines-United Nations (UN) Dialogue 2025, held on Wednesday (March 5) in Manila. 

The Philippines-UN Dialogue 2025 served as a platform to provide insights and strategic directions aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and synergy of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), a year after its implementation, to ensure its greater alignment with the national development agenda. 

“Today’s Philippines-UN Dialogue is not just another high-level discussion; it is a clarion call to action. It is about reshaping our collaboration to ensure that our transition is not only successful but also impact-driven, equitable, and sustainable,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. 

The discussions aligned with the UNSDCF 2024-2028 and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, both aimed at achieving a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos, as envisioned in the AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippines’ long-term vision. 

Balisacan emphasized the need for a dynamic innovation ecosystem to accelerate the Philippines’ economic and social transformation. In support of this, the government is implementing the strategies contained in the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032, which lays out the country’s vision, priorities, and strategies for fostering innovation. 

He also emphasized that increased investment in research and development, as well as capacity-building, is crucial for bolstering the country’s science, technology, and innovation workforce. 

“Other challenges include limited collaboration among the academe, private sector, and the government, as well as the slow adoption of emerging technologies. Addressing these issues will require targeted policies, increased funding, and stronger public-private partnerships,” Balisacan added. 

While achieving upper-middle-income country status is a significant milestone, the country’s chief socioeconomic planner stressed that economic progress must be inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. 

“Achieving this transition is not just about crossing an income threshold. Rather, it is about ensuring that our progress is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he said. 

The dialogue, themed “Driving Transitions for Impact, Scale, and Synergy,” focused on strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and the UN to support the country’s key transitions. Present at the event were newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Arnaud Peral, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, and Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. 

 

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