Ateneo student leaders join Laudato Si' champions in 29th ASEACCU International Conference

Student leaders from Ateneo de Manila University joined other student leaders from Southeast and East Asian Catholic Universities in championing the ideals of Laudato Si and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals during the recently concluded 29th Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) International Conference. Hosted by Saint Louis University (SLU) from 21 to 25 August 2023, the conference drew together more than 200 faculty and students from nine member countries, focusing on the theme, "Global Goals in the Care of our Common Home: A Catholic Response."

A delegation of Ateneo student leaders, accompanied by two student affairs professionals from the Office of Student Activities participated in this monumental conference. The delegation included Willy Santos (4 BS HS), President of Ateneo Gabay; Shan Walwyne Uy (4 AB MEC), President of Ateneo Management Economics Organization (MECO); Ry Aliscad (3 BS MGT), Vice President for Finance of AIESEC in ADMU; and Pio Ty (4 AB DS), Vice President for Member Relations of Ateneo Musicians Pool. Supporting the student delegation were OSA Coordinator for Media and Communication, Gino Flores, and Coordinator for Internationalization, Roxanne Lopez.

Championing Laudato Si and the SDGs

In alignment with the principles espoused in Pope Francis's Laudato Si, the conference placed a strong emphasis on Catholic responses to global challenges, particularly through the lens of the United Nations SDGs. Ateneo's student leaders actively participated in a spectrum of shared lectures, interactive discussions, and immersive activities, all of which delved into pertinent themes such as university social responsibility, networks of solidarity, environmental commitment, and institutional rankings.

Global citizenship and sustainable progress

The inaugural day of the conference, held on 22 August 2023, witnessed an official welcome extended by Rev Fr Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, President of SLU, to the diverse international delegates. He underscored the shared dedication to safeguarding the planet as outlined in Laudato Si and the UN SDGs. Prof. Francois Mabille, General Secretary of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, further elaborated on the significance of international collaboration and unity in the face of modern challenges.

Fostering dialogue and collaborative action

Throughout the conference's duration, the participating student leaders engaged in enriching dialogues and hands-on activities designed to promote the seamless integration of Laudato Si's principles and the UN SDGs into higher education. Notably, Ateneo's representatives joined peers from other institutions in sharing insights and experiences, while also experiencing cultural exchanges that fostered a sense of global unity.

Tangible strides toward a common Home

As the conference concluded, participants had the opportunity to partake in immersive site visits, including trips to Mount Costa in Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet, and Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park in Baguio City. Rev Fr Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macau, expressed his contentment with the conference outcomes, exuding optimism for the path ahead.

Ateneo de Manila University remains unwavering in its commitment to nurturing global citizenship and advancing sustainable progress. Upholding the spirit of Laudato Si and the United Nations SDGs, the university continues to empower its student leaders to drive positive change on both local and global platforms.