Philippine Embassy Shares the Story of Philippine Progress with Visiting Philippine School Teachers
Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V and Deputy Chief of Mission Robespierre L. Bolivar highlighted the achievements of the Philippines in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the Forum on Promoting Social Cohesion and Diversity for Sustainable Development Goals at Rikkyo University, Tokyo on 15 November 2019. The forum is part of the Global Peace Leadership Exchange organized by the Global Peace Foundation.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Laurel emphasized how social cohesion is both a means and an end to achieve economic growth and development. He said, “social cohesion enhances growth by facilitating collective action…thus it is imperative for us to build partnerships that aggregate and consolidate whole-of-economy and whole-of-society approaches towards ensuring sustained and meaningful growth.”
Ambassador Laurel and DCM Bolivar (second row center), speakers and forum participants
Deputy Chief of Mission Robespierre L. Bolivar presented the Philippines’ progress to realize the SDGs and its own goals as outlined in AmBisyon Natin 2040, the country’s Medium-Term Development Plan. He highlighted how the Philippines has twice submitted its Voluntary National Review to the United Nations, which underscores the Philippine Government’s transparency and commitment to the achieving its goals by 2030.
In his presentation, DCM Bolivar noted that “the Philippines has made significant strides in achieving many of the SDGs, including improving the quality of education, reducing inequality, building strong institutions and addressing climate change. We continue to work with its international partners, in particular Japan, in strengthening our capability to ensure that we meet our development targets by 2030.”
Speakers of the forum included Mr. Ayo Goto, Senior Vice President of the Global Peace Foundation, Mr. Tetsuo Kondo, Director of the UNDP Representation Office in Tokyo, Dr. Takashi Nigorikawa, Proffesor of the Rikkyo University, among others.
Over 100 international participants, who came from various backgrounds, including representatives from government agencies, civil society, educational institutions, youth organizations, development partners, and the private sector, gathered with a collective aim to work towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Ambassador Laurel shares a light moment with participants
DCM Bolivar briefs the visiting PH teachers about Philippines-Japan relations
The forum provided a venue for the participants to engage in discussions and lively debates on enhancing Philippine-Japan partnership and promoting collaboration in the sectors of local and international environment cooperation and climate action, youth engagement, women empowerment, education, and policies for sustainable peace and development.
Prior to the forum, participants from the Philippines also made a call on the Embassy on 14 November 2019. They were briefed by DCM Bolivar on Philippines-Japan relations as well as PH’s global agenda, including achieving the SDGs.
DCM Robespierre L. Bolivar with the delegates of the Global Peace Leadership Exchange 2019 during a call on the Embassy
The Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization which promotes and innovative, values-based approach to peace-building. Its affiliate, Global Peace Foundation Philippines, strives to continue as a credible organization that empowers the Filipino communities towards sustainability and peace, and the Filipino people by promoting moral and innovative leadership.
