Skip to Main Content

Supporting the Philippines’ ASEAN Presidency: SDSN Meets Government Leaders

By GBA-ASEAN Initiative

From January 21 to 23, 2026, a delegation from the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) visited Manila to meet with senior officials from the Philippines government. With the Philippines serving as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2026, the visit aimed to support the Philippines' Presidency and strengthen the SDSN’s relevant programs in the region.

The SDSN delegation was composed of Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the SDSN; Dr. Sonia Sachs, Research Scholar at Columbia University; and Philo Wang, Head of Policy and Research for Asia and SIDS, SDSN.

The delegation met with Philippine government leaders from departments responsible for the economy, foreign affairs, trade, and development. On January 21, the delegation held a lunch meeting with Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), after which they met with Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim at the Department of Foreign Affairs. On January 23, at the Department of Trade and Industry, the delegation was received by Secretary Cristina Roque and Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo. These meetings and discussions helped set the stage for GBA-ASEAN collaboration in business, sustainable development, research, and policy.

As the 2026 ASEAN Chair, the Philippines plays a critical role in promoting regional cooperation. This visit marked an important step for the next phase of the GBA-ASEAN Initiative implementation and paved the way for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors between the two regions. These efforts reflect the SDSN’s commitment to building inclusive and action-oriented partnerships to address regional and global challenges.

Learn more about the GBA-ASEAN Initiative: https://www.gbaaseaninitiative.com/

Lunch meeting with Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (left), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
Professor Jeffrey Sachs (right) with Cristina Roque (left), Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines.
The SDSN delegation with Secretary Cristina Roque (fourth from left), Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo (third from left), and officials from the DTI.
Professor Sachs (right) with Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim (left) of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Professor Sachs (right) and Philo Wang (left) during a meeting with Philippine government leaders.
The SDSN delegation with Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim (third from left) and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The SDSN delegation participates in a constructive meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs.