Aspiring Filipino diplomats and public servants recently gathered to discuss a wide range of timely and relevant issues on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity in the prestigious Social Sustainability Leadership Forum (SSLF) 2024 in Singapore.

Organized by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), participants included more than 50 participating students from the countries under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, and India. They worked to address the worldwide global challenges on women empowerment, active ageing, mental health and well-being, and developmental, physical, and sensory disabilities.

To foster camaraderie and collaboration, the delegates were immersed in curated workshops and activities to propel their socio-economic growth and deepen their understanding of various cultures.

The Filipino contingent was composed of budding members of the diplomatic corps and government key players from the Diplomacy and International Affairs and Governance and Public Affairs Programs of the De La-Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG).

The team was comprised of Charllote Hillary Algere, Althea Arcillas, Lizbeth Balayanto, Daryl Akaiza Gabriella Calibag, Jaybie Gernale, and Jenina Camille Uadan.

Benilde SDG Junior Faculty Josue Raphael Cortez mentored the learners during their preparations and accompanied them throughout the initiative.

Cortez underscored that SSLF 2024 served as a significant avenue to apply and hone their networking and cross-cultural communication skills, which they have applied during their classes.

“It allowed them to expand their horizons and connections as they engaged with like-minded individuals,” he shared. “Through imparting knowledge from their respective communities, they were able to formulate feasible resolutions in various adversities faced by most Asian nations today.”