13th Global Leadership Program (GLP) empowers young leaders for a sustainable future

[New Taipei City, Taiwan] – The 13th Global Leadership Program (GLP) for Jesuit Universities in East Asia, hosted by Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU) in Taiwan from 20 to 26 August 2023, brought together students from Jesuit universities across Asia under the theme "Our Blue Planet - Ocean and Sustainability." The annual GLP is a transformative program that equips young leaders with the skills and competencies needed to address pressing societal challenges.

This year's GLP featured a diverse group of participants, including six exceptional students from Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines:

• Mia Niña Maria D. Catipon, 4 AB Interdisciplinary Studies - Advocacy Officer, Institute of Skin Divers of Ateneo (ISDA) / Former President, Ateneo Environmental Science Society (AESS)
• Anna Czarina B de Marcaida, 4 AB Psychology - Vice President, Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral 2023-24 
• Angel Gabrielle P Macalinao, 4 AB MA-POS - Coordinating Head, Ateneo CODE
• Bernice Amanda A Mendoza, 4 AB Communications - President, Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral 2023-24
• Felicia Isabel A Singson, 4 AB Development Studies - Development Society of Ateneo Officer and ASCEND Awardee
• Daniel Serafin S Vijandre, 4 AB Political Science - President, The Assembly

They were mentored by OSA Director, Mr Ralph Jacinto Quiblat.

On the first day of the program, the Ateneo de Manila delegates presented an introduction to Ateneo de Manila University and contextualized the conference's theme within the Philippine reality.

During the GLP, participants were divided into three working groups, each focusing on a specific subtopic:

• Ocean and Environmental Protection
• Ocean and Indigenous Culture
• Ocean and Migration

The students engaged in fieldwork and immersion experiences related to their respective subtopics. Highlights of their experiences included:

• Ocean and Environmental Protection Group: A day spent with Hiin Studio, an organization dedicated to promoting a plastic-free environment, sea waste art creation, and environmental education. The group also participated in a beach clean-up at Lin-kou Beach in New Taipei.
• Ocean and Indigenous Culture Group: A day at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, Taiwan's first private museum specializing in indigenous artifacts and cultural preservation.
• Ocean and Migration Group: A day with Migrant Fishermen at the Badouzi Fishing Harbor, guided by the Rerum Novarum Center, which prioritizes service to the poor and marginalized.

Throughout the conference, participants attended lectures and workshops led by experts in various fields, including Dr Sonja Mei Tin HUANG, Prof Connie Chun-Chi YANG, Fr Wan-Liu HUNG, Dr Hung-Chun LIU, Ms Guo Fu, and Prof Futuru C L Tsai. These sessions provided valuable insights into ocean sustainability and related topics.

At the closing of the conference, Ateneo de Manila University OSA Director Ralph Jacinto Quiblat gave the closing speech and challenged the student leaders to align their goals with the mission and objectives of Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si, emphasizing the importance of advocacy-driven perspectives. He stressed that the central question should no longer be, "What do you want to become?" but rather, "What problem do you aspire to address, and how can your chosen career enable you to enact meaningful solutions?"

The cultural exchange during the conference showcased Filipino traditions, with delegates from Ateneo inviting global participants to engage in Filipino games and songs. The Filipino delegates performed the Eraserheads classic hit, "Huling El Bimbo."

The conference concluded with a memorable farewell dinner at Da Lu An Aborigine Restaurant in New Taipei, where attendees enjoyed indigenous food and participated in the dancing of aboriginal folk tunes. The Daluan Team, known for its commitment to promoting indigenous culture and the indigenous economy, provided a fitting end to the event.

The 13th GLP was an enlightening and transformative experience for all participants, fostering global collaboration and equipping young leaders to make a positive impact on our blue planet. 

The Global Leadership Program (GLP) is an annual program conducted by Jesuit universities in Asia. It brings together students from member universities to develop leadership competencies and address societal challenges. GLP empowers young leaders to contribute to the solutions of global issues, fostering collaboration and promoting positive change.