Legarda reports outcomes of 31st APPF; 10 Committee Resolutions adopted
November 25, 2023
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, as Chairperson of the 31st Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) Drafting Committee, reported a total of 10 resolutions from the working groups on Political and Security Matters, Meeting of Women Parliamentarians, Economic and Trade Matters, and Regional Cooperation in the Asia Pacific.
Six (6) consolidated resolutions were the outcomes of the region’s Annual Meeting in the Philippines, which, according to her, reinforces the effectiveness of parliamentary diplomacy and the power of consensus building in addressing challenges.
“I believe with the hard work of the Drafting Committee, we have achieved a comprehensive set of outcomes that highlight our strong resolve to pursue ‘Resilient Partnership for Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability,’ that would ensure a future of possibilities for inclusive, humane, secure, and healthy societies and communities in the Asia Pacific region,” the senator conveyed.
The six (6) resolutions that were discussed during the meeting for the Drafting Committee’s final approval revolve around pressing matters across the Asia-Pacific region.
These include Combatting Transnational Crimes, Women’s Participation and Leadership, Gender and Sustainable Development Goals, Rethinking Critical Infrastructure, Regional Cooperation on Universal Healthcare, and Regional Cooperation on Education and Culture.
Moreover, four (4) other resolutions submitted were up for consideration due to their paramount importance to all the delegates and communities in the Asia-Pacific region.
These are Enhancing Regional Cooperation on Climate Action, Biodiversity Conservation, and Disaster Risk Reduction; Korean Peninsula; Human Capital Development and Inclusive Growth; and Strengthening the Capacity of Parliaments to Promote Peace and Stability.
“The resolution of these issues reflects the commitment of all APPF member parliaments to constructive dialogue and compromise, highlighting the spirit of cooperation that underlines our collective pursuit of shared objectives,” she said.
“The Drafting Committee successfully identified common ground among delegations, reflecting our shared collective commitments and shared aspirations across various critical issues on peace and security, climate change, combatting transnational crimes, education and culture, universal health coverage, human capital development, and other issues such as the blue economy,” Legarda continued.
One item on the agenda that received approval is the proposal from the Philippine delegation to make changes to the Rules of Procedure. This change would involve adding a “Meeting of Young Parliamentarians” to each annual meeting of the APPF.
The four-term senator expressed her deepest gratitude to all the delegates and members of various delegations who participated and helped the Drafting Committee with the discussions on these matters, thanking their devotion of time and energy in trying to find common ground.
“I express gratitude for your unwavering dedication, even during breaks, particularly when navigating through complex topics that sparked extended discussions,” said Legarda, who led the Philippine delegation during the 26th APPF meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2018, where she championed the climate and disaster resilience resolution.
The Philippines is hosting the 31st APPF, participated by parliamentarians from 19 of 28 participating member countries from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. (30)