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The United Nations and the Government of the Philippines convened the 3rd Joint Steering Committee meeting to review progress under the 2024–2028 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), assess achievements in 2025, and agree on strategic priorities for the remainder of 2026. The Committee, co-chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Economy, Planning and Development, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, is the highest-level mechanism for ensuring Government-United Nations alignment in the areas of human capital development, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and climate action. Reviewing progress in a challenging global context Despite global challenges and shocks, the partners highlighted strong progress and joint action in 2025, during which the UN system continued providing reliable support across priority areas, reinforcing national efforts toward sustainable development and the country’s imminent transition to upper-middle-income status.  United Nations Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral emphasized the importance of adaptability and systematic approaches in support of the Government’s development objectives. “Even in an increasingly complex and constrained global environment, our partnership with the Government of the Philippines has remained strong and result-focused. We are committed to delivering demand-driven, integrated, forward-looking solutions that support national priorities and help build resilience for the future.” The Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro underscored the deliberate shift toward a more strategic and results-driven partnership model anchored on national ownership, accountability, and measurable impact. “Our modernized partnership model continues to advance development that reaches all regions of the Philippines and be truly felt by the Filipino people.  This is how we translate the principle of “leaving no one behind” into real outcomes.”  United Nations–Philippines cooperation has delivered a range of results in 2025 [see United Nations Philippines Annual Report], among them expanded immunization coverage, advances in maternal health policy, strengthened inclusive education systems, and continued progress in governance, peacebuilding and resilience, including in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), energy transition and other areas. Partners highlighted the Philippines’ leadership in responding to emerging crises, including decisive actions to address recent energy and economic shocks, while advancing domestic reforms and advocating for global peace and the strengthening of the rules-based multilateral system. Shaping priorities for 2026 During the session, the United Nations presented the 2026 Joint Work Plans, outlining the currently planned portfolio of work aligned with the Philippine Development Plan and evolving national needs. Discussions focused on scaling integrated, system-wide solutions to address interconnected challenges, with emphasis on: strengthening shock-responsive social protection and human capital systems,accelerating economic transformation, decent work, and innovation, particularly for vulnerable sectors and MSMEs,Advancing energy transition, disaster resilience, and environmental sustainability, including implementation of national climate commitments;Enhancing governance and digital transformation engagement, and unwavering support for the peace process and transition in BARMM.  Participants also reaffirmed commitment for further strengthening coordination mechanisms and increasing operational efficiency to streamline services and improve delivery. Reaffirming a strong and evolving partnership Government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that cooperation with the United Nations continues to deliver impact at scale, grounded in national ownership, accountability, and innovation. The Secretary of Economy, Planning and Development Arsenio M. Balisacan said: “The Government of the Philippines remains firmly committed to ensuring that the United Nations-Philippines Cooperation Framework  delivers tangible outcomes that support our national priorities and improve the lives of our people, and we are looking forward to the United Nations and our partners to continue providing strategic and high-impact support.” The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to drive efficiencies for greater impact, mobilize partnerships and financing, and deepen collaboration as the Philippines advances its transition to an upper-middle-income country. “As the landscape is changing, the United Nations must demonstrate agility toward integrated policy, financing, and institutional solutions that are demand- and Filipino-driven, and responsive to shocks of today and tomorrow,” Mr. Peral said. “We are fully committed to this, for the benefit of everyone in the Philippines.”  Press contacts United Nations:Maria Jorica Pamintuan, +63 917 896 619, maria.pamintuan@un.orgThe Philippines:DEPDev Public Relations: depdevpr@depdev.gov.phDepartment of Foreign Affairs: Mark Jason Aludino, Foreign Service Officer, unio.div1@dfa.gov.ph