UP-CIFAL Philippines holds 8th annual board meeting

7 March 2025—UP-CIFAL Philippines’ Board of Representatives convened for the 8th annual board meeting last 7 March, 2025 at the BOR Room, Quezon Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman campus, Quezon City, Philippines.

Present at the board meeting were University of the Philippines (UP) System President Angelo A. Jimenez, Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of United Nations and International Organizations Deputy Director Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso (representing DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo), Commission on Human Rights Officer-in-Charge of the Human Rights Education and Promotions Office Dr. Jerrick Gerard C. Go (representing CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc), Scalabrini Migration Center Research and Publications Director Dr. Maruja MB Asis (representing SMC Director Fr. Nguyen Hoang Khahn Huy), Philippine Business for Social Progress Director for Operations Kristine J. Rivadelo (representing PBSP Executive Director Elvin Ivan Uy), Ayala Foundation Inc. Senior Director for Development Jay De Quiros (representing Ayala Foundation Inc. President Antonio G. Lambino II), UP-CIFAL Philippines Director Michelle R. Palumbarit, and staff. 

Joining with virtual messages were the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Arnaud Peral, and UNITAR Division Director and CIFAL Global Network Head Alex Mejia.

Among those discussed were the successful completion of the sixth iteration of one of the Center’s flagship programs, the Professional Course on Global Migration, the conduct of the university-wide SDG Strategic Planning workshop involving UP’s constituent universities, the local translation of the 17 SDGs into major Filipino languages, and the launch of Susie for Sustainability, a storybook series on sustainability for young children.

Director Palumbarit noted three (3) priorities embedded in the plans of UP-CIFAL Philippines for 2025: increase the number of learning activities, conduct and implement more technical and capacity-building activities on SDGs, and expand research works and outputs. The proposed programs in 2025 include the strengthening of UP-CIFAL Philippines’ professional courses in global migration, water governance, and digital governance and cybersecurity, and the continuous roll-out of SDG orientations to higher education institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local government units. UP-CIFAL Philippines also has ongoing research projects on migration and sustainability that are envisioned for publication.

President Jimenez lauded the efforts of the Center as it made remarkable strides through its training and capacity building programs, hence playing a vital role in the interwoven themes of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “I encourage everyone here to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation. UP-CIFAL will remain a beacon,” he adds.

Mr. Arnaud Peral congratulated UP-CIFAL Philippines for its work in ensuring that all of its activities are linked to the global goals. Mr. Alex Mejia thanked UP-CIFAL Philippines for being one of the best training centers that UNITAR has created globally. He also cited the research initiatives focused on migration, gender equality, and sustainable development as a whole because these carry true emphasis on data analysis and the development of policies that contribute to social inclusion.

The Board emphasized the need for sustained commitment and strong partnerships as we draw nearer to the conclusion of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They also discussed other ways forward for the center to further improve the capacity building and research activities.

In 2024, UP-CIFAL Philippines reached 37,010 beneficiaries – 44% of whom are female, while 56% are male. Read the annual report here.