The United Nations brings 193 nations together. They don’t always agree but what’s important is that they always come together. They talk and hopefully, they find a way towards common objectives.

United Nations representatives, led by UN Coordinator to the Philippines Ola Almgren (third from left), at the 74th anniversary of the ratification of the UN Charter.

If we envision what 10 years from now looks like, it probably seems unclear.

But it may not be the case if it’s about the world’s future given its present predicament.

Saving is not happening tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. It starts now.

This is what drives the Philippines and the United Nations (UN) in working side by side to save the world.

“The Philippines has always been with the journey of the United Nations. Tonight, what we’re looking at is the 10 remaining years of 2030 Agenda,” said Ola Almgren, the UN resident coordinator to the Philippines, during the 74th celebration of the ratification of the UN Charter last Thursday in Taguig City.

The 2030 Agenda pertains to the sustainable plans of the United Nations that seek to solve the greatest global challenge — poverty.

For the global union, poverty is the primary factor for all the issues and challenges the world is facing.

It is not unknown that the Philippines is one of the many countries that experiences extreme poverty. Fortunately, the solid partnership between the country and the UN has been very pivotal for Filipinos.

“It’s always been good. Globally, we are still very far from achieving those of the agendas. So, we’re looking at the decade of actions. And now we’re working with the Philippines which has been very much with us in this journey,” Almgren added while citing that the Philippines and its officials have been very supportive of the 2030 Agenda.

One of the severe effects of poverty is the proliferation of drugs.

The present administration has even declared its “war on drugs,” a policy that aims to “neutralize illegal drug personalities nationwide.”

“What we always want to do in the United Nations is to be custodians of international best practice including human rights. We haven’t hesitated to express our concern when we think that it should be justified,” the UN coordinator said.

“So what we can do to look to underline it, the fact that drugs are problems in society, is how to prevent it and how to assist those who are suffering from drugs like (giving) rehabilitation and (helping them in) coming back to society,” he added.

Almgren also noted that the best possible way to get to the bottom of the drug problem is through solutions that won’t harm those affected.

“We also look at constructive engagement,” he emphasized.

And even though there are differences among all the member nations of the UN, he still hopes that the people’s interest is still the common denominator for all of these.

“The United Nations brings 193 nations together. They don’t always agree but what’s important is that they always come together. They talk and hopefully, they find a way towards common objectives,” he pointed out.