President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday (New York time) said he would present the Philippines’ best practices on gender equality and women empowerment during the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

In a statement for his two-day working visit here, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to advancing the rights of women.

Marcos noted that 2026 marks the anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which the Philippines signed in 1980 and ratified in 1981.

He said the Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to do so.

“My participation in the CSW signals the strong commitment of the Philippines to gender equality and women empowerment,” he said.

Marcos said his participation in UN engagements would provide a platform for the Philippines to share its experiences, challenges, and lessons in promoting women’s rights and empowerment.

The country will also highlight its progress under the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and its role in advancing inclusive peace progress.

Marcos said the Philippines hopes its experiences can contribute to global efforts to strengthen gender equality and women’s participation in peace-building and governance.

“It is an opportunity to share the best practices of the Philippines, the challenges we face on women’s rights, and the lessons that can be learned from our own journey towards peace,” he said. (PNA)