The Philippines, as chair of the Like-Minded Group for Middle-Income Countries (LMG-MICs), called on the international community to rally behind reforms that address the unique challenges of middle-income countries (MICs), at the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the group at the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York from Sept. 9 to 28, 2025.

In her opening remarks on Sept. 25, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said MICs are rising as global development actors.

“We generate a third of global GDP (gross domestic product) and host 75 percent of the world’s population. We are innovators and investors, peacebuilders and partners, climate-vulnerable but climate-responsive, and champions of multilateralism,” she said.

The meeting, themed “Catalyzing Development Cooperation for Middle-Income Countries,” highlighted MICs’ growing role in shaping global economic and social policies.

Lazaro underscored the urgency of crafting a Strategic Program of Action (SPOA) to reflect the group’s priorities—sustainable transitions, financing for development, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive partnerships.

She cited the Makati Declaration, adopted in April in the Philippines, as a milestone that laid the foundation for the SPOA.

“Now, we need to take the next step,” she said, citing that outdated global financial policies continue to hinder MICs’ progress through restrictive metrics, limited concessional financing, and debt burdens.

“Our message is clear: middle-income countries must take action in charting our own pathways to progress.”

Lazaro said reforms in global financial systems and UN mechanisms must recognize MICs’ diversity and development needs.

The ministerial meeting concluded with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration reaffirming the group’s commitment to push forward the SPOA and pursue more inclusive multilateralism. (PNA)