PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

15 July 2025, SYDNEY – Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales engaged members of the academia and student leaders at a forum organized by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) United Nations Society (UNSOC) on 15 July 2025 on key issues shaping the region and the world.

Ambassador Morales delivered an overview on the enduring historical ties between the Philippines and Australia forged from the trenches of World War II which has shaped the bilateral partnership as well as common adherence to the principles of democracy, freedom and sovereignty. He underscored the strong people-to-people connections, development cooperation, and the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.

Ambassador Morales then engaged in a dynamic open forum with the participants and answered questions on a wide range of regional and international issues. He discussed the evolving security landscape in the Indo-Pacific, including developments in the South China Sea, and emphasized the Philippines' commitment to upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.

Ambassador Morales also shared the Philippines’ priorities as it prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, including advancing maritime cooperation, addressing climate change and ensuring regional peace and security. He also highlighted the Philippines’ active multilateral engagement, including its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027–2028.

The Ambassador reaffirmed the robust and growing trade relationship between the Philippines and Australia, noting increased two-way trade and investment in key sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

The UNSW UNSOC is a student-run society which provides opportunities for students by sending teams to various Model United Nations (MUN) competitions. The UNSW UNSOC travelled to the Philippines on 15-25 March 2025 to participate in Harvard’s World MUN. - END