UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Remarks in advancing inclusive and practical solutions for refugees in the Philippines

Let me begin by commending the Department of Foreign Affairs and UNHCR for this partnership. It demonstrates strong leadership in advancing inclusive and practical solutions for refugees in the Philippines.

This initiative is timely and necessary.

Globally, forced displacement remains at record levels. Yet access to higher education for refugees is still extremely limited. Only a small proportion of refugee youth are able to pursue tertiary education. Programmes like Complementary Pathways are therefore not optional, they are essential.

The Philippines is showing leadership in this space.

Through the Complementary Pathways programme, the country has already opened opportunities for Rohingya refugee youth to access higher education. As of today, 23 students are enrolled across seven institutions and two students who have successfully graduated this year. 

This new phase builds on that progress.

It will support at least six additional refugee students to enter universities, while sustaining ten current scholars through targeted support. 

These are not just numbers.

Each student represents a future teacher, professional, or community leader. Each opportunity reduces vulnerability and builds self-reliance.

This is the kind of impact we need to scale.

Let me highlight three key contributions of this initiative.

First, it strengthens inclusion.

By integrating refugees into national education systems, the programme moves away from parallel structures and toward sustainable, inclusive solutions aligned with national priorities.

Second, it delivers concrete results.

The focus on tuition support, subsistence assistance, and student pathways ensures that access is not only created, but sustained. This directly reduces dropout risks and improves long-term outcomes.

Third, it reinforces partnerships.

This is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort, bringing together DFA, DOJ, UNHCR, academic institutions, and partners. This model is critical for delivering durable solutions.

As SG and UN Representative I fully supports this initiative.

It reflects the UN’s commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees and to Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education. It also aligns with the broader UN agenda of leaving no one behind.

Most importantly, it shows that solutions are possible when leadership, partnership, and evidence come together.

We encourage continued investment in programmes like this because the demand is clear, the impact is measurable, and the benefits extend beyond individuals to communities and societies.

We look forward to supporting this partnership as it grows and delivers results.

Thank you