Last September 21, 2015, on the International Day of Peace, several student organizations all over the country convened in the University of Santo Tomas for the 3-day Annual General Assembly of UNESCO Clubs in the Philippines with this year’s theme centering on ASEAN Integration and Sustainable Development. The theme focused on three aspects: Climate Change, Human Rights, and the post-2015 Education agenda. All three aspects were thoroughly discussed by keynote speakers from different fields relating to the said aspects and by key officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Carolinian Circle of Young Diplomats (CCYD) was represented by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Vene Seane Aljas, and Head Ministers Rt. Hon. Daniel Orin Levi Alatraca and Rt. Hon. Renee Dominique Rodelas.

 

On the first day, UNESCO awarded the certificates of accreditation to several student/youth organizations in a simple yet settling ceremony. Among the student organizations awarded as a certified UNESCO club was the Carolinian Circle of Young Diplomats (CCYD) from the University of San Carlos, Cebu. Apart from the opening and awarding ceremonies, plenary and break-out sessions were held as the clubs were grouped into three committees according to each of the three aspects focused on the event with each of committee tasked to come up with a resolution to be presented during the assembly. CCYD was grouped with the other organizations in the Human Rights committee tasked with formulating a resolution on the aspect of Human Rights. Side-activities and contests such as Poster-making, Essay and poem writing further enabled the clubs present to participate and enjoy. Furthermore, the delegates of the student organizations/clubs were given the opportunity to visit various museums such as those in the University of Santo Tomas and in the National Museum with a free entrance compensated by the organizers.

 

In the course of the 3-day convention, the plenary and break-out sessions gave a comprehensive look on pressing issues that hinders the attainment of sustainable development in ASEAN countries. With these pressing issues focused on the three aspects, it is come to no surprise that ASEAN’s goal of attaining economic integration has a long way to go in the hopes of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set forth by the United Nations. Pressing issues such as that of Human Rights focused on the problems of protecting the rights of citizens of ASEAN countries, particularly with Myanmar. In one discourse, Ronald S. Mabunga from the Philippine Normal University talked about ASEAN’s major flaw in its efforts to protect human rights in the region. According to Mabunga, ASEAN’s norm of Non-intervention of member-states towards their respective internal affairs (also known as the “ASEAN” Way) has made it difficult for ASEAN states to collectively protect human rights within the region. With this flaw in mind, Mabunga also talked about the need for ASEAN to change its normative approach in regional affairs.

 

Throughout the sessions, issues of human rights such as those centering on OFWs, women, children, and even indigenous people have provided a glimpse of the need for further action in order to attain sustainable development within ASEAN. Not only for human rights, but for climate change and education as well. As the assembly draws towards its close, each committee presented their respective resolutions centering on their aspects. After thorough deliberation, the resolutions procured are to be addressed in the international assembly of UNESCO clubs. Thereafter, a cultural dinner and a closing ceremony have culminated the 3-day event which served as a fulfilling experience for everyone present.

 

The experience of each club present during the entire event was built upon camaraderie and on the determination to make a better change for a better world. Apart from bonding, networking, and simply having a good time, the participants were nonetheless fulfilled to the knowledge that their actionscan help shape a better and brighter future not only for the peoples of ASEAN but also for the peoples from around the globe.