The Philippine Embassy in Copenhagen held a community discussion on Tuesday 24 June 2025 to raise awareness about the West Philippine Sea issue and the importance of international maritime law.
The event, held at the Embassy Hall, was part of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ efforts to promote understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The aim was to increase public knowledge of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic nation.
Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim presented an overview of the Philippines’ maritime boundaries and emphasized the country’s commitment to UNCLOS. He explained the background of the Philippines’ decision to bring its case against China to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2013, highlighting its peaceful approach to defending national sovereignty through the international legal system.
The Ambassador summarized the key points of the Arbitral Award issued on 12 July 2016 and called on the Filipino community in Denmark to take an active role in promoting support for international law. He encouraged them to engage with Danish policymakers, especially as Denmark is set to assume the EU Council Presidency on 1 July 2025 and currently holds a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Participants expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s effort to make the complex maritime issue more accessible and relevant to overseas Filipinos.
