UNITAR Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to University of the Philippines

7 March 2026 — A delegation from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) paid a courtesy visit to the University of the Philippines (UP) on 7 March 2026 at the Executive House in UP Diliman to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, youth empowerment, and global capacity-building initiatives.

The meeting was led by UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and Alex Mejia, Director of the Division for People and Social Inclusion at UNITAR. They were joined by Michelle Palumbarit, Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines; Shari Nina Oliquino, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs of UP; and Edna Estifania Co, former Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines. Also present from UNITAR were Estrella Merlos, Deputy Head of the CIFAL Global Network, and Claudia Jeanette Juarez Vazquez, Project Coordinator.

During the meeting, both institutions discussed opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in sustainability education, youth leadership development, and international training initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The discussions also explored potential collaborations in environmental stewardship, water governance, and knowledge-sharing programs that promote inclusive and sustainable development. The University of the Philippines likewise shared ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability awareness and action within the university community.

Both sides expressed interest in the growing partnership between UNITAR and the University of the Philippines in advancing sustainability-focused education and fortifying engagement between academia and international organizations.