Sustainable Development and Resource Conservation Ignite Transformative Dialogue at UST MUN 2025
By Janna Lagman
The UST Model United Nations (MUN) held its two-day conference from April 03 to 04, 2025 at the UST Central Laboratory Auditorium and St. Raymund de Penafort Building. In its 11th installation, the conference centered around the theme “The Next Frontier in Global Diplomacy for Sustainable Development: Shaping Policies to Safeguard Natural Resources through Ethical Expenditures.”
As part of the opening event, Ms. Virginia Benosa Llorin, Senior Climate Justice Campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines, and Ms. Athena Cartagena, Communication and Political Affairs Officer at the Embassy of Sweden in the Philippines, delivered lectures on climate justice, sustainable development, and circular economy.
Photo by Mariam Alyka Espino & Sam Jorge/UST Asian Studies Gazette
In her discussion, Ms. Virginia Benosa Llorin introduced Greenpeace as an independent campaigning organization with a rich history rooted in activism. With their role to expose and confront environmental abuse by governments and corporations across the globe, Ms. Llorin explained that they operate with the support of individuals without any funding from the state or companies, emphasizing their independence in challenging environmental abuses.
In one of their fieldworks in the Philippines, they featured the farmers from Tarlac who lost their livelihoods due to Typhoon Karding. She shared how various problems arose from this issue, including children being forced to stop their education, the piling up of debts, and increasing tension in their family relationships, illustrating the all-encompassing impact of climate change.
“When you talk about climate change, don’t think of it as just an environmental issue, but look at it from a broader perspective. Climate change is impacting our food security, livelihood, properties, our hope, and the future of generations,” she explained.
Along with her discussion on the impacts of climate change, Ms. Llorin also pointed out the role of fossil fuel companies as major contributors to the climate crisis who continue to profit while vulnerable nations and communities bear the brunt of its impacts.
“While we Filipinos and the countries in the Global South are suffering, the biggest fossil fuel companies announce historic profits, " she stated.
Photo by Mariam Alyka Espino & Sam Jorge/UST Asian Studies Gazette
Meanwhile, in Ms. Athena Cartagena’s talk, she focused on Sweden’s path to innovation and sustainability, highlighting its circular economy model that is anchored in the SDG#12: Responsible Consumption and Production. As she explained the role of Sweden in the United Nations (UN), she emphasized how it serves as an crucial avenue for them to advocate and resolve global challenges, explaining that “the UN is an important channel for Sweden’s humanitarian work, eliminating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and combating the climate crisis.”
Recognizing the progress Sweden has made, from being a poor country to a well-known welfare state, Ms. Cartagena explained the importance of the Quadruple Helix Model where collaborative efforts among the four sectors–the government, private sector, academia, and civil society–ignited the development of the country.
“Collaboration is really key if we want to progress in certain issues, such as development and battling the climate crisis,” she explained.
In her presentation on the SDG#12 and the circular economy model, Ms. Cartagena highlighted the actions that consumers, governments, and corporations can take to promote a circular economy. While she recommended recycling and upcycling for individuals, she underscored the significant role companies play in waste management and extending product life, particularly through the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Photos by Mariam Alyka Espino & Sam Jorge/UST Asian Studies Gazette
Following the keynote speakers’ lectures, the committee sessions commenced where the delegates gathered in several council meetings. For the General Assembly, the delegates discussed the topic on “Path to Sustainable Consumption: Championing Multi-Faceted Approaches and Fair Governance in Addressing Food Security.” On the other hand, the Economic and Social Council focused on “Resource Production and Lifecycle: Implementing Circular Economy Practices among Private Enterprises.” Meanwhile, the Security Council debated on “The Cycle of Conflict Caused by Resource Vulnerability: Reinforcing Peacebuilding Efforts Through the Protection of Resource Management Centers.”
Photos by Mariam Alyka Espino & Sam Jorge/UST Asian Studies Gazette
As part of the event’s culmination, a social’s night was held to honor and recognize outstanding contributions and participation of the councils and members. It also provided delegates with the opportunity to interact with fellow participants, engage in games, and enjoy performances by the guilds of Asian Studies. The event was formally closed by UST MUN’s Adviser, Asst. Prof. Jan Michael Denila, MPS, who delivered the closing remarks.
