TODAY’S YOUTH should demonstrate their power to shape global affairs by embracing diverse perspectives and confronting the challenge of reconciling different truths, an Asian Studies professor said.
In his remarks during the 11th UST Model United Nations (MUN), Prof. Jan Michael Denila urged young people to avoid complacency, collaborate with others and question the status quo.
“This century demands so much more. Not an obedient generation but an inquisitive one. Not a lonesome generation but a collaborative one. A generation comfortable with the confluence and inconvenience of many truths and viewpoints,” Denila said on April 4 at the UST Central Laboratory Auditorium.
According to him, knowing the facts is not enough as the youth must also develop the skills of articulation, including the ability to express ideas they may not personally believe in.
“You might know all the facts, I know that. But if you do not know how to pound on the content, that will eventually be your own undoing. I hope that you have taken this opportunity to capitalize on the skills of not just thinking but interpersonal aspects. And the skills of articulation and articulating things that you don’t even believe in,” the professor said.
“A lot of you could have gone on to continue your way into the ordinary, sometimes mundane aspects of your lives, and yet, most of you chose to be here.”
Denila said today’s youth have shown resilience and perseverance, have taken on new roles with a sense of responsibility and readiness and have embodied different aspects of leadership.
“So this is what this kid is like. They have other aspects that I haven’t seen yet. And that’s really something that inspires a lot of hope in me because you guys are already taking as if, it felt as if you guys are taking on a different persona and somewhat, you guys persevered better and more in a position of responsibility,” he said.
“It was one thing to represent yourself in the university and quite another to advocate for someone or for something else, an idea or a belief that might not even be yours.”
Outstanding delegates honored
The conference also recognized outstanding delegates representing different councils for their exceptional contributions and performances throughout the event.
The Best Position Paper was given to Joaquin Lorenzo Bautista (University of the Philippines – Diliman) of the General Assembly; Julius Dela Cruz (University of the Philippines – Diliman) of the Economic and Social Council; and Danella Corin David (University of Baguio) of the Security Council.
The Best Delegate award was given to Alexandra Nicole Aquino (University of the Philippines – Diliman) of the General Assembly; Chloe Jan Jocson (University of the Philippines – Diliman) of the Economic and Social Council; Keegan Bernardo (University of the Philippines – Diliman) of the Security Council.
The Verbal Commendation was awarded to Czashaine Mai Abella (University of the Philippines – Diliman) of the General Assembly; Celene Batol (University of Santo Tomas) of the Economic and Social Council; Marco Gabriel Mendoza (University of the Philippines – Diliman) of the Security Council.
The 11th UST MUN was held from April 3 to 4 with the theme “The Next Frontier in Global Diplomacy for Sustainable Development: Shaping Policies to Safeguard Natural Resources through Ethical Expenditures.”
This year’s topics covered “The Path to Sustainable Consumption: Championing Multi-Faceted Approaches and Fair Governance in Addressing Food Security;” “Resource Production and Lifecycle: Implementing Circular Economy Practices Among Private Enterprises;” and “The Cycle of Conflict Caused by Resource Vulnerability: Reinforcing Peacebuilding Efforts Through the Protection of Resource Management Centers.”
The UST MUN is an annual student conference where participants simulate the workings of the United Nations by representing different countries and discussing global issues. F
