31^st Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in the Philippines

Nearly three decades since the Philippines first hosted the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in 1994, we are proud to once again welcome our parliamentary partners from Asia and the Pacific for this year’s Annual Meeting of the APPF!

The Asia Pacific region of today is far removed from the Asia Pacific of 1994. In the last thirty-one years, our countries have enjoyed notable economic successes and dealt with equally notable downturns; we have suffered through and survived various public health crises, particularly the SARS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic; and we have been hit by and helped one another through typhoons, droughts, and earthquakes of mythic proportions.

What emerges today is an Asia Pacific brought together not only by geography, but by shared realities, shared values, and shared goals—made stronger by our intergovernmental partnerships, including the APPF initiative.

Since its establishment thirty-one years ago, the APPF has grown to be the region’s premier parliamentary forum, and has given us member nations a vital platform for convergence and collaboration on matters of mutual concern, helping us develop effective and innovative parliamentary solutions to the challenges that we face in the region.

For this year’s Annual Meeting, anchored on the theme “Resilient Partnerships for Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability,” we are going to have discussions on political and security matters; economic and trade matters, and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

We are also going to host meetings specifically for our women parliamentarians and youth parliamentarians, to promote genuinely inclusive and forward-looking leadership in our parliaments.

As we simultaneously try to surmount the effects of weakened economies, the depletion of natural resources, challenges to human security and inequality, and the lingering effects of the pandemic, we look forward to the Annual Meeting as an opportunity for forging resilient partnerships in our region—so we can move forward as one, united in our aim of achieving lasting peace, prosperity, and sustainability.

The Philippines is honored to open our doors for this Annual Meeting at this most important time of pandemic recovery, where resilient partnerships are crucial to the collective uplift of our people.

As proudly reflected in this year’s APPF logo, centered on the majestic and enduring Philippine Eagle, the Asia Pacific region is determined to aim high and take flight once more. And with the strengthened partnerships from this year’s APPF, we are certain to soar high together.

See you in the Philippines! Mabuhay!

Sen. Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri

President of the Senate of the Philippines

Honored Delegates and Respected Colleagues,
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I extend a warm welcome to each of you as we convene for the 31st Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Manila, Philippines, from November 23-26, 2023.

As the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and in collaboration with our Senate, it is both an honor and an inspiring responsibility to host this assembly. We gather here under the banner of our theme: "Resilient Partnerships for Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability." This theme resonates with the very ethos of the APPF, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration.

Manila, with its rich cultural tapestry and time-honored traditions, offers an apt backdrop for our discussions. I am confident that, in this environment, our conversations will be both enlightening and constructive, paving the way for a strengthened and united Asia-Pacific community.

I encourage active participation in our sessions. Your perspectives and insights are invaluable as we work together towards a harmonious and prosperous future for our region.

Once again, welcome to Manila, and I look forward to fruitful discussions and strengthened partnerships.