NEDA Secretary Balisacan Joins Signing of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024-2028
Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) participated in the signing ceremony of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024-2028. The framework represents a collaborative strategic planning and partnership between the UN and the Philippines, aligning with the country’s medium- and long-term development goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and the AmBisyon Natin 2040.
The ceremonial signing took place in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with Secretary Balisacan signing on behalf of NEDA alongside Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines, Mr. Gustavo Gonzales.
President Marcos Jr., delivering the keynote message, highlighted the alignment of the cooperation framework with the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda, the Philippine Development Plan, and AmBisyon Natin 2040, emphasizing its role in supporting the government’s pursuit of the highest aspirations of the Filipino people.
The UNSDCF 2024-2028 serves as a comprehensive tool, offering a unified and strategic approach for UN development initiatives carried out by all UN entities at the country level. It is designed to support the Philippines’ goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy, adhering to the commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Secretary Balisacan expressed optimism about the UNSDCF, stating, “With the UNSDCF, the UN and the Philippine government now have a common blueprint for guiding programs and projects critical to achieving the country’s development goals. This Framework can contribute to our country’s progress toward addressing issues such as food insecurity, inequality, climate change, the digital divide, and, most importantly, poverty.”
The consultative process leading to the UNSDCF involved key stakeholders, including the Philippine Cabinet, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and the UN. The framework identified three strategic priorities for the Philippines from 2024 to 2028: (i) human capital development, inclusion, and resilience building; (ii) sustainable economic development, decent work, and innovation; and (iii) climate action, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience.
Challenges and opportunities were also outlined, addressing gaps in social protection and income inequality as challenges, while opportunities include the country’s demographic transition, the implementation of key measures like the Public Service Act and the Ease of Doing Business Act, and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation as outlined in the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032.
As the chief socioeconomic planner, Secretary Balisacan will co-chair the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) responsible for overseeing the UNSDCF’s implementation, alongside DFA Secretary Manalo and UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Gonzales. The JSC will provide strategic support, review, and guidance for the Cooperation Framework.
