Third-year BA Social Science students majoring in International Relations, under Rhoderick Samonte’s class, participated in a prestigious global webinar hosted by the New York-based UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) on February 2, 2026, from 9:00-10:30 AM EST (10:00-11:30 PM PHT).
The session featured distinguished speakers HE Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), HE María Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the United Nations General Assembly (2018-2019) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, and HE Vuk Jeremi?, former President of the United Nations General Assembly (2012-2013) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.
It was moderated by renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
The global webinar featured high-profile speakers from whom the BA Social Science students gained insights into global challenges.
Screenshots by Rhoderick Samonte & BASS 3A
Their discussions emphasized critical insights into global challenges.
It underscored that peace is essential for sustainable development, climate action, economic security, and social justice—impossible without global cooperation.
The participating CHMSU students also learned that the multilateral system faces strain from unilateralism, great-power rivalry, and UN Charter erosion amid existential warfare risks.
Lastly, they learned that the UN renewal is vital for a multipolar world, requiring reforms, broader leadership, and active global citizenship.
The BASS students actively participate in the chat box of the global webinar.
Screenshots by Rhoderick Samonte & BASS 3A
This event launched the four-part “Global Governance for Peace and the SDGs” series. Upcoming sessions include:
- Accelerating the SDGs: March 10, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT | 1:00 PM UTC
- The Post-2030 Agenda: April 1, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT | 1:00 PM UTC
- Revisiting the UN Charter: April 23, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT | 1:00 PM UTC
CHMSU students and faculty interested in joining future webinars can contact CIER Director Rhoderick Samonte at Rhoderick.samonte@chmsu.edu.ph. This participation advances CHMSU’s internationalization and sustainability goals.
