In a recorded speech to the 76th sessions of the UN General Assembly, the president noted that if the international organization truly aspires to take the world out of the crises in which it is immersed, it must reform itself because therein lies the hope of humanity.

Duterte lamented that in the last two years, the climate crisis has worsened, inequalities have deepened, the geopolitical balance has been precarious and the poor have suffered more.

Upon presenting his vision on how the world is facing the Covid-19 pandemic, the statesman described the panorama as bleak. Wealthy nations accumulate vaccines, while low-income countries will have to wait for the rich nation’s leftover.

In reference to Afghanistan, he commented that ‘the whole world pays the price for the adventures of some that result in humanitarian disasters,’ and recalled that the Philippines, faithful to its tradition of humanitarian support, opened its doors to citizens from that country, especially women and children, who have fled the conflict.

Regarding the controversial campaign against drugs and the alleged excesses of antinarcotics forces, Duterte informed that he ordered the Police and the Justice Department to review the authorities’ behavior and those who exceeded the limits will be held accountable before the national laws.

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