Austrian Embassy hosts talk on circular economy with the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, John Gokongwei School of Management

On 5 October 2023, the Austrian Embassy, along with the Ateneo Institute for Sustainability (AIS) and the John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM), hosted a public lecture on the role of art, design, and science in circular economy and sustainability entitled “Imagine Dignity: Eco-Social Models of Life.” 

The talk, held at Escaler Hall, was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Johann Brieger, Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines, as well as guests and students from the Austrian Embassy, Far Eastern University, and Ateneo de Manila. Speakers included artists, writers, businessmen, designers, and scientists, who each talked about their work and advocacies in sustainability and furthering a circular economy through their respective fields and industries.

“This talk about sustainability is something that is really built into the DNA of the Ateneo de Manila University,” said JGSOM Dean Dr Roberto Martin N Galang. “The history of Ateneo is very much intertwined with climatology and environmental science. When the Jesuits first came back here in the 1850s, they brought with them the technology which is what [is now] the Manila Observatory.”

Established in 1865, the Manila Observatory was the first institution in the country to begin issuing typhoon warnings (starting 1879) and earthquake observations (starting 1880). 

“This history is also part of the reason that we’re in Quezon City,” he continued. “They were the first team that moved to this campus. This campus used to be barren grasslands [but today], we’re very proud of the trees and the lush forests that are now part of the university, [which] showcases how, when improving the environment, you can really improve immediately the quality of life of the people around you.”

In addition, Dean Galang also shared that Ateneo de Manila was the first university to offer a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science in the country, as well as the first Master of Science in Sustainability in Management. For its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, the university established the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability in 2013. 

Dean Galang ended: “It’s about uplifting everyone’s dignity and acknowledging our intertwined destinies together, because for us to help save the planet, we need to talk about collaboration, cooperation, and working together as a community.”

H E Ambassador Brieger hinged his remarks on the words forming the discussion’s theme: “imagine” and “dignity.” The former, he said, “pertains to the aspiration to overcome our current crises of imagination through artistic visions, inspiring ideas and getting into a new culture of dialogue between the arts and sciences.” 

“On the other end,” he continued, “dignity concerns not only the respect for human dignity. We have to go beyond that and respect the dignity of nature, of flora and fauna, and the earth’s resources as a whole.”

“Austria has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, translated into concrete action of circular economy initiatives, efficient waste management systems, significant strides in adopting renewable energy sources, and investment in sustainable transportation options.”

Ambassador Brieger also shared that ninety-five percent of Austrian lakes have drinking water quality, while sixty percent of electricity in Austria comes from hydropower. More importantly, he talked about the role of art and design in the sustainability movement, and the “the importance [that] the arts sector can play in finding solutions for the problems of tomorrow.”

“The arts are a very powerful vehicle for change, a medium through which we can convey complex ideas, emotions, and inspire actions. Artists and designers play a pivotal role in raising awareness about ecological and societal challenges. They have a unique ability to make abstract concepts tangible and relatable. They invite us to reimagine our relationship with the world around us. The development of numerous solutions for the major issues we are facing now is significantly dependent on this new imagination,” he ended.