The College of Public Affairs and Development kicked off the activities for the 4th International Conference on Governance and Development (ICGD4) on September 26, 2024, at the REDREC Auditorium, UPLB, with a symposium, “Glocal Development through Lifelong Learning and Community-Driven Innovations.”
The symposium featured speakers from Kasetsart University, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines Accelerator Lab, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research-Centre International de Formation des Autorités/Acteurs Locaux Bangkok.
UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho welcomed the participants to the ICGD4 kick-off, highlighting the long and enduring relationship between UPLB and Kasetsart University, ICGD 4 official partners, and collaborators.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Philippines, His Excellency Tull Traisorat, was represented at the event by Minister Counsellor and Consul Narttaporn Nitimontree.
In his message read by Minister Counsellor and Consul Nitimontree, Ambassador Traisorat expressed, “I am confident that this kickoff forum and the ICGD4 will play an essential role in advancing knowledge and shaping policies that benefit not only our two countries but the broader region and the world.”
Aside from celebrating the upcoming ICGD 4, the symposium was also held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand.
Dr. Naroon Waramit, dean of the School of Integrated Science of Kasetsart University, official partner of ICGD 4, and Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan, dean of CPAf, also delivered their speeches affirming their commitments to the successful collaboration for ICGD4.
The Symposium featured three panel speakers from Kasetsart University (KU), UNDP Accelerator Labs, and CIFAL Bangkok, with their presentations focusing on the major subthemes of the upcoming conference: 1) Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development, 2) Innovative Institutions for Community Development, and 3) Communities of Practice for Glocal Development.
Dr. Issaree Supnui, professor at KU and a CPAf alumnus, discussed lifelong learning. She emphasized that “lifelong learning is more important now than ever due to the rapid phase of technological advancement, the changing job markets, and increasing capacity of global problems.” Dr. Supnui also shared that KU offers microcredential courses to support lifelong learners.
Meanwhile, Dee Urtua of the UNDP Accelerator Lab Philippines oriented the audience on reimagining inclusive innovation. She said that “an innovation becomes inclusive when it reaches and engages the marginalized and those who are excluded in the society, including the poor, disadvantaged, and vulnerable persons of the communities.”
She also highlighted Saliklakbay, a collaborative method and grassroots innovation activity aimed at looking into solutions developed by people that are often not recognized or overlooked. It maps out the problems that are seen in the community and localizes the mapping of solutions in the Philippines.
Dr. Voravate Chonlasin, director of CIFAL Bangkok and executive director of the Asian Institute of Technology Extension focused on the Communities of Practice for Glocal Development. He said, “Our job [in CIFAL] is to create the right platform where people can really interact so that they can give meaningful doable solutions and innovations.”
CIFAL Bangkok provides skill-based education with modules developed by the industry and society to design solutions. Aside from this, they also hold the Model UN, a workshop/simulation wherein delegates are invited to participate in a mock UN-level meeting. It aims to enhance global citizenship and sustainable development awareness among participants.
After the presentations, Professor Nelson Jose Vincent B. Querijero from CPAf led the open forum, accommodating questions from the audience regarding the presentations of the three panel speakers.
Part of the kick-off was also the launching of the new ICGD logo, which highlights the roots and original intent of the conference and new partnerships. The official ICGD 4 webpage was also unveiled.
Conference Chair, Dr. Evelie P. Serrano, closed the event by thanking the partners of ICGD4. “I ask for your continued support and engagement in ICGD4. Together let’s explore how governance can serve as a tool for positive change. Let us carry forward the energy and inspiration from this event.”
The event also featured the signing of the partnership agreement between UPLB and KU. This was done after the program at the Office of the Chancellor.
ICGD brings together experts from various fields, providing a platform for discussing pressing issues related to governance, development challenges, innovative solutions, and policy frameworks.The ICGD4 Kick-Off Event and Symposium is one of the many events lined up towards the conference proper happening in Kasetsart University Bang Khen Campus, Bangkok, Thailand on July 31 to Aug 2, 2025. More information about the conference can be found in the conference webpage: https://cpaf.uplb.edu.ph/icgd4/.
