Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin,

The Assistant Secretary for the Department of Transportation,

We have here also the Administrator of the Maritime Authority of the Philippines,

Our Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization Ambassador Locsin,

Our Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva King Sorreta,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps who are present here,

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the International Conference on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being. The Philippines, as a maritime and archipelagic nation with a rich seafaring tradition, is proud to host this conference, as a testament to our enduring commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of seafarers.

This conference is a long time coming. For centuries, seafarers have been the unsung and unseen heroes of global trade, plying the seas amidst treacherous waters, pushing the boundaries of human imagination and exploration, and the driving force behind humanity's prosperity and progress.

Today, over 80 to 90 percent of global trade is by sea. From the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the fuel that powers our homes and industries, the technology that keeps us connected, to the life-saving medicines that prevent and treat diseases - seafarers keep the global economy and our societies thriving.

Despite all these, seafarers live a life of sacrifice, spending months away from their families, enduring harsh seas and unpredictable conditions. Apart from these dangers, they are also subject to a myriad of labor-related challenges, piracy and terrorism at sea, and harassment, among others.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, while adopted over seven decades ago, remains relevant today. During this conference, we reaffirm that these principles must extend fully to those who spend their lives at sea, and recognize the responsibility shared by all stakeholders - be it flag states, port states, sending states, shipowners, and manning agencies - that seafarers' rights must be fully protected and respected.

The historic Human Rights Council Resolution 56/18 adopted last year, under the leadership of the Philippines, likewise underscored the importance of ensuring safe and decent living and working conditions for all seafarers, and recognized their right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Today, we build upon that foundation by adopting a comprehensive Declaration on the Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being of Seafarers, which emphasizes that protecting seafarers is a human rights imperative and calls for meaningful action among maritime stakeholders. The Declaration calls for, among others:

• Full enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006;
• Improvement of emergency preparedness and response during global health emergencies, disasters, conflicts and unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation;
• Fostering an enabling environment where the right of seafarers to earn their living by work they freely choose or accept is respected;
• For business enterprises in the global maritime industry to mainstream human rights due diligence processes;
• For efforts to be intensified to promote gender equality and inclusivity for a just and more dynamic maritime industry; and
• A just transition in the global maritime industry, to equip seafarers with the skills to adapt to automation, digitalization, and decarbonization.

As the leading sending state of seafarers, a strong advocate for human rights and the law of the sea, and a champion for gender equality, the Philippines invites you, distinguished delegates, to honor the sacrifices of our seafarers, support their welfare, and celebrate their indispensable role in shaping our present and future. To every seafarer, we say thank you. You are the stewards of the sea and the bridge between nations.

Mabuhay and I wish you a successful conference, salamat po.