Ateneo de Davao University welcomed His Excellency Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines, for a meaningful dialogue (Pakighinabi) with youth leaders and advocates from Mindanao on 26 February 2025 at the Pakighinabi Room, 3/F Ricci Hall, Community Center of the First Companions.
Hosted by the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Agham Pampulitika ng Ateneo (SAMAPULA) in collaboration with the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao Office, the conversation focused on pivotal issues affecting youth in Mindanao. Youth advocates from various university organizations actively engaged with Ambassador Santoro, addressing topics such as human rights and youth activism, gender equality and minority rights, climate change and indigenous rights, peace-building efforts including the Bangsamoro government, and opportunities for further engagement between Mindanaoan youth and the EU.
Present during the conversation were students, faculty members, and representatives from organizations, including the Mindanao Anthropological Society of Ateneo, Ateneo Libulan Circle, Atenews, Ateneo Debate Varsity, Kapisanan ng Pag-aaral Pangkaunlaran at Sosyolohiya, ECOwatch, SAMAPULA, International Students, and SALAM: The Ateneo Muslim Society.
The program commenced with welcome remarks from Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, University President, followed by a brief presentation on the youth situation in Mindanao.
The EU, recognizing the significant role of young people in shaping global development, emphasized the importance of youth participation in policymaking to foster inclusive and sustainable development. Ambassador Santoro expressed the EU Delegation’s commitment to supporting youth advocacies and discussed potential collaborative initiatives. The highlight was a dynamic dialogue with Ambassador Santoro, complemented by insightful responses from the discussants and moderated by French Bandong from the EU-PH Youth Sounding Board.
This Pakighinabi served not merely as an exchange of viewpoints but as an authentic sharing of stories, experiences, and aspirations. It also challenged and inspired youth to embrace active citizenship, critical thinking, and leadership to engage with global issues.
As Fr. San Juan articulated, “This event stresses the power of dialogue in bridging perspectives, especially between European and Mindanaoan youth, in the spirit of global solidarity… It is our mission to create spaces where young minds can explore new ideas and challenge old ones, all while upholding the values of compassion, justice, and the common good.”
Photos by Emiel Benedict
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