Ateneo's commitment to sustainability: Empowering students, faculty, leadership, and staff for positive change

Ateneo de Manila University's commitment to promoting sustainability and inclusivity among its diverse community remains unwavering. The university continuously offers retooling and educational activities such as sustainability training organized by the Office of Student Activities and gender sensitivity sessions through the University Gender and Development Office. These initiatives aim to empower the university community by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote sustainability and cultivate a more inclusive environment.

Every year, the university organizes comprehensive training initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of sustainability principles among its faculty, leadership, staff, and students, respecting and valuing each individual’s unique perspectives and experiences. The Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) program, at the heart of this effort, tackles gender-related issues and integrates sustainability concepts into its approaches, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. 

The University Gender and Development Office conducted Onsite Onboarding and Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) sessions.  in the latter half of 2023, catering to various institution segments. Training sessions included training for Basic Education Professionals and Staff, Basic Education Faculty, Higher Education Student Organizations, Higher Education Law School Professionals and Staff, Coaches and Team Managers, Residence Halls, CFMO, Central Administration, Third-Party Providers, UCODI En Banc, and an event organized by the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Student Council. 

In addition, specific onboarding and GST sessions were conducted for other groups. The University Decorum and Investigation System released an online module to combat Gender-Based Violence, complementing the campaign "Increasing University Efforts in Capacity Building and Information Dissemination." 

Key activities for 2023 encompassed various training, workshops, fora, and Gender Sensitivity Training sessions, with interested parties encouraged to contact relevant offices for more information. Other initiatives highlighted in the bulletin included First-Response Training by Mayari and ASHS Gender Hub, GST sessions focusing on consent and boundaries for Tulong Dunong Tutors, and a workshop dedicated to Gender Studies Content Development and self-defense training organized by the Ateneo Human Rights Center Urduja Women's Desk.

For more information, see UGDO Bulletin: Increasing University Efforts in Capacity Building and Information Dissemination

In addition, Ateneo ensures that incoming first-year students, as well as leaders and members of student organizations, participate in sustainability training sessions that highlight the significance of environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. 

Ateneo's dedication to sustainability is evident through the following initiatives that aim to cultivate sustainable mindsets and practices among its students.

One Big Hive: Together We Thrive

The Ateneo Institute of Sustainability has pioneered an innovative citizen design experience called "One Big Hive," which aims to foster personal connections to sustainability among community members. It encourages creative idea generation and promotes a participative and collaborative approach toward realizing Ateneo's aspiration to become a Laudato Si university.

For more information, see One Big Hive: Citizen Design Workshop

Enabling Strategies for Sustainable Lifestyles in Student Activities and Organizations

The Office of Student Activities (OSA) has launched the "Enabling Strategies for Sustainable Lifestyles in Student Activities and Organizations" program, which offers resources and assistance to conceptualize and execute sustainable initiatives. This program is designed to embed sustainability into the fabric of student organizations and set a structured path toward sustainable living practices on campus.

For more information, see Sustainability Initiatives for Student Activities (College OSA memo)

Engagement Through Workshops and Conferences

Sustainability Design Thinking Workshops and the culminating EcoEngage conference serve as platforms for educating students about the importance of sustainability and empowering them to create actionable strategies for positive environmental impact. 

Integration in Student Organizations 

Sustainability also finds expression in various student-led initiatives across campus, from support group sessions addressing mental health to conferences raising awareness about environmental issues. Projects such as the Ateneo Corporate Sustainability Conference and Wildlife Week highlight the diverse efforts to promote sustainable practices and environmental consciousness.

For more information, see Student Org Life

Moving Forward Together

Ateneo emphasizes the collective responsibility of its community members in its journey towards sustainability. Ateneans actively contribute to a greener, more resilient future through collaboration, education, and action. The spirit of sustainability is deeply embedded in the ethos of Ateneo de Manila University, whether through formal programs or grassroots initiatives.