Sharing examples of carbon neutral society and climate actions driven by innovative changes from the next generation, South Korean and Filipino university students unite to address the climate crisis across national and cultural boundaries
International environmental organization DAEJAYON, in collaboration with the 2022-2024 KOICA NGO volunteers, held the ‘Global Environment Forum for University Students in the Philippines 2023’ on October 29th, 2023 in Quezon City, Manila, the Philippines.
The forum was organized to raise awareness of the climate crisis among South Korean and Filipino university students and to mutually exchange and spread student-led initiatives for environmental protection within campuses.
About 300 university students from 20 Philippine universities participated in the event in person, along with 500 university students from 150 universities in South Korea who participated online. All of them showing strong interest in the next generation’s climate issues.
UN OPS Country Manager, Oscar Marenco, gave a speech highlighting the current status of UN SDG achievement and highlighting the significance of working together and taking action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for mankind.
In particular, an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between DAEJAYON and Quezon City was signed in order to establish a close climate crisis response system.
In the MOU, DAEJAYON agreed to take initiative on the development of global environmental leaders through environmental education and activities for youth and university students in both countries, while Quezon City agreed to put effort on the invigoration of environmental education in the city by conducting regional environmental awareness campaigns.
The MOU signing ceremony was followed by a keynote speech by Hon. Joy Belmonte, the Mayor of Quezon City in the Philippines. Mayor Belmonte cited examples of youths stepping up and voicing their concerns about the environment, and she emphasized that actions for climate change must be done with unity.
In the expert presentation session, Ms. Floradema Eleazar, Team Leader of the UN Development Programme Philippines (UNDP Philippines), emphasized the importance of innovation and the role of youth in addressing climate issues. Dr. Rico C. Ancog, a professor in the Environmental Science department at the University of the Philippines, discussed the meaning of global solidarity and its implementation, stating that to start, even from small things, is important.
In the youth presentation session, Ms. Jenica Dizon, the representative of Waves for Water in the Philippines, shared examples of youth-led climate action and vivid experiences. Jung Woo-jin, the president of environmental club Tea Tree from Kookmin University, South Korea, presented best practices of environmental clubs of South Korea to share examples of youth-led changes and innovations.
In the panel discussion, presided by June M. Alvarez, the representative of PCEPSDI, environmental experts, Filipino youth environmental activists, and South Korean KOICA environmental NGO volunteers engaged in a passionate conversation on “Solidarity among international organizations, governments, and civil society to address the climate crisis.”
The event included cultural and environmental exchange activities between participants from both countries. There was a cultural exchange where attendees could enjoy Korean culture, including an environment quiz, Korean calligraphy, and a photobooth with Korean traditional clothing, “Hanbok,” prepared for participants to try on.
Kim Jae-Kyun, the Vice President of DAEJAYON, said “I feel that the passion and potential of youth activists are actually more powerful than I know,” and added, “I hope global stages to express opinions of the next generation continue to be provided on.
Meanwhile, DAEJAYON will also host the “2023 Global University Student Environmental Forum” in South Korea in December, which will be open to all university students in the world. More details will be posted on DAEJAYON’s website next month.