The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), through the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), officially hosted the Global Conversation Series on Co-Creating Futures: Bridging Disciplines for a Resilient World, on January 29, 2026, featuring three academic sessions led by international experts from Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. The series provided a platform for cross-disciplinary and global dialogue promoting resilience, sustainability, and responsible global citizenship.
In his message of support, UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna emphasized that the Global Conversation Series is more than a ceremonial gathering, describing it as a commitment to shaping the future through collaboration and critical understanding. He reaffirmed UNP’s vision of becoming a globally recognized university in a heritage city by 2030, highlighting that international engagement must be globally informed and locally grounded.
Session 1, titled Observing Earth from Above: Remote Sensing of Earth’s Changing Atmospheres and Oceans, was held at the UNP Technology Complex Function Hall. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Angelo Benedict Ragunjan, Research Associate at the National University of Singapore, who discussed how remote sensing and Earth observation technologies help monitor large-scale environmental changes and translate scientific data into practical insights for governance, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and long-term sustainability.
Held simultaneously with Session 1, Session 2 took place at the UNP Tadena Hall and focused on global justice and legal practice. The highlight of the session was the lecture delivered by Ms. Shaira Lorraine Robiñol of the Chuncheon District Court, South Korea, who shared insights on judicial processes, legal culture, and professional practice in an international court setting. An open forum followed, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussion.
Following the conclusion of Session 2 was Session 3, titled Why Good Intentions Are Not Good Enough: The Economics of Building a Sustainable Community. Part of CAS’ Internationalization Initiative, the session emphasized translating global knowledge into practical and inclusive solutions for community development.
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Rapeepat Manasoontorn, who discussed the economics of sustainability and the structural barriers communities face in achieving long-term resilience. He emphasized the importance of policy coherence, institutional capacity, and inclusive participation in transforming good intentions into evidence-based and lasting development.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of CAS, the International Affairs and External Linkages Office (IAELO), and Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin in Thailand. The series was held as part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the College of Arts and Sciences.
