28 July 2022 – The UP-CIFAL Philippines, in partnership with the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (IMLOS) and the UP Marine Science Institute, organized a webinar entitled “Our Planet, Our Seas: A Deep Dive towards Sustainable Development Goals”. The webinar was conducted via Zoom at 1:00 p.m. (Manila time).
Recognizing the country’s success on securing a seat at the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and commemorating the 6th anniversary of of the South China Sea Arbitration Award, it aimed to provide an avenue to discuss key developments in the Philippine maritime realm and the country’s initiatives in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and and the need to focus more on science-based enforcement, management, and policies through enabling mechanisms and stakeholders to create longer-term solutions.
Mr. Gustavo F. González, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations in the Philippines, delivered the opening remarks with an urgent call for action to achieve the Global Goals.
This webinar brought in five expert speakers on the Philippine maritime realm, laws, and governance, and how these relate to achieving the Global Goals, including Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Jacqueline F. Espenilla, Director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP-IMLOS), Dr. Jay L. Batongbacal, Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, and Hon. Efren Carandang, Member-Elect of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for the Term 2023-2028.
Dr. Laura T. David, Director of the UP Marine Science Institute, gave a clear synthesis, reflecting on key points discussed during the webinar and how they align with the country’s objective of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Edna Estifania A. Co, Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines, capped off the event with her closing remarks.
This event was attended by at least 400 participants from various sectors, such as the academe, non-government agencies and organizations, and international groups. Watch Our Planet, Our Seas on demand via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0_gMUToTHw&t=209s
