Seoul, 7 May 2026 — Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez met with former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute, on 6 May 2026 at the Ban Ki-moon Foundation Office in Seoul.

The meeting provided an opportunity for a warm and substantive exchange on the Philippines–Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership, anchored in the two countries’ longstanding friendship and cooperation dating back to the Korean War in the 1950s, as well as their robust people-to-people ties.

Drawing on their respective experience in multilateral diplomacy, Ambassador Fernandez and H.E. Ban exchanged views on the future of the United Nations and underscored the continuing importance of international cooperation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting the work of UN Women. H.E. Ban likewise recalled with appreciation his longstanding engagement with the Philippines and the close relations he has cultivated with the country throughout his distinguished career, including the successful convening of the Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue in Manila in November 2025.

Ambassador Fernandez conveyed the Philippine Government’s high regard for former Secretary General Ban’s significant contributions to global diplomacy, peacekeeping, and sustainable development, as reflected in the Philippine Senate’s unanimous adoption on 27 February 2024 of a resolution honoring him for his exceptional leadership and achievements in these fields.

Mr. Dave H. Kim of the Global Green Growth Institute and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul also joined the meeting. END