Philippine president calls UN “a product of an era long past”

Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Philippines, called the UN “a product of an era long past” that needs to empower itself through reform, Report informs referring to TASS.

He was delivering a video message, shown at the general political debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on September 21.

“We face multiple crises that demand effective global governance. Yet, our institutions, including the United Nations, have proven to be inadequate. The UN is a product of an era long past. It no longer reflects the political and economic realities of today,” Duterte said.

“Democracy and transparency are concepts that reverberate in the halls of the UN. But ironically, the Security Council – the pinnacle of the UN structure – violates every tenet of these values. It is neither democratic nor transparent in its representation and processes. Many member states have spoken firmly, and we agree: This simply is not right. If the UN is to lead the world out of the many crises we face, things need to change. The UN must empower itself by reforming itself. Therein lies the hope for humanity,” he added.