PH hosts first high-level conference for Asian middle-income countries

The Philippines is hosting the first-ever High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries (MICs) in Asia, aimed at fostering dialogue on strategies and solutions for these nations.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the importance of collaboration among the 105 middle-income countries, which represent a significant portion of the global population and economy.

He emphasized that MICs need each other to address global challenges like new trade policies, geopolitical risks, and climate change, and to achieve national development goals.

The conference, previously held in various countries from 2007 to 2024, marks the Philippines' assumption of the chairmanship of the Like-Minded Group of Middle Income Countries (LMG-MICS).

Key discussions include green transitions, strengthening regional south-south cooperation, and financing for middle-income countries.

Manalo also urged leaders to pursue solutions suited to evolving contexts and needs, advocating for the replacement of outdated metrics and finance models with more robust and inclusive approaches.