AIS tackles ocean sustainability in the ASEAN-Australian Young Leaders Forum

On 7 December 2025, the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability (AIS) Program Officer for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms Riza Maree D Rapada, engaged in a panel discussion at the annual ASEAN-Australian Young Leaders Forum (AAYLF). With the theme, “Wavemakers: Youth Voices for Ocean Futures”, this year’s AAYLF examined ocean governance through three key areas: maritime security, blue economy, and marine conservation. 

Ms Rapada participated in the panel discussion on marine conservation, which explored localized strategies for achieving the 30x30 ocean biodiversity target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. She set the tone of the panel with her presentation on the current progress of SDG 14: Life Below Water at the global and regional scale, emphasizing that despite the persistence of major challenges across all areas of ocean sustainability, including marine pollution, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing, it remains the least funded among the SDGs.
 

In response, Dr Maria Noelyn Dano of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines discussed the key lessons that emerged from the UN Ocean Conference, which sought to address the gaps in implementing SDG 14. Ms Rapada and Dr Dano underscored the urgent need for holistic and sustainable ocean management through enhanced participation of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and the youth, strengthened blue economy initiatives, and multilateral cooperation. These themes were further illustrated through the marine protected area (MPA) management practices of the Municipality of Santa Fe in Bantayan Island, Philippines, presented by Atty. Jay Contento, Municipal Administrator. Dr. Danilo Largo of the University of San Carlos’ Marine Biology Section also discussed how responsible ecotourism can serve as an important tool in balancing human needs with ecological protection.

The four-day forum convened thirty young leaders from across the ASEAN and Australia to engage, connect, and collaborate on pressing ocean-related issues. It was held at the University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus in Cebu City, Philippines. AAYLF is the flagship initiative of the ASEAN-Australian Strategic Youth Partnership, supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre and held in partnership with the University of San Carlos, the City of Cebu, and Salacop Construction and Development Corporation.