ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), the World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteers Association, held the ‘Global Forum on the Implementation of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)’ on December 18, 2017 at the Church of God building at 36 Kalayaan Avenue, Brgy. Malaya, Quezon City. More than 700 students from different universities participated in the forum, which started at one in the afternoon.
“The forum served as an opportunity to promote people’s understanding of the Implementation of the UN SDGs and to further boost the willingness of people from all walks of life to implement the goals while allowing university students with passion to be a part of the implantation by building a systematic process for volunteer activities and establish partnerships with diverse local government agencies and non-government organizations,” said Joyce Manoharan, ASEZ President in UP Diliman.
The Global Forum will be held in 10 countries around the globe – South Korea, the United States, Germany, Taiwan, India, Peru, Chile, Argentina, the Philippines and Mongolia – by the end of the year.
Vice President Leni Robredo said in a video message for the ASEZ Global Forum, “When young people like you gather to learn more about how we can work on achieving our shared vision of sustainable development, you reassure the world that the future is going to be brighter and better in your hands. Let this be a venue where ideas are exchanged and friendships are strengthened, so that together we can work harder to reach our goals as a nation and as a globalize society to efficiently and effectively work towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is vital that every sector of society is involved. It is inspiring that student volunteers like you continue to support these efforts and persistently explore ideas on how to contribute to making a difference in changing the world.”
The main topic of the forum was to identify the role of university students in implementing the UN SDGs. The forum proceeded with the introduction on ASEZ activities in many countries including Nepal and the U.S. followed by the presentation about the UN SDGs of Engr. Emer Rojas, Global Cancer Ambassador and CEO of New Vois Association of the Philippines. In addition, Dr. Antonio Velasco, a professor of College of Engineering and Architecture at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and a former Director of General Services of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), delivered a presentation about Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change, Environment Adaptation for Sustainable Development. Chemical Oceanographer and UP Diliman Professor Lara Sotto proceeded by discussing why Hypoxia and Eutrophication is bad for our oceans. The event ended with the presentation of Ms. Gela Petines, CEO of Reef Nomads, about the initiatives in Isla Verde and how the youth can create a positive change.
During the forum, people from various circles including heads of local government departments and various NGOs signed up for the submission of ASEZ’s proposal for the implementation of UN SDGs.
ASEZ is consisted of university student volunteers of the World Mission Society Church of God around the globe, who are committed to offering help and hope to global neighbors in need by taking actions against global challenges with the love of God the Father and God the Mother.
