Dr. Allan Peejay Lappay (Director, Alumni, External Relations and Advocacies) presented his paper on “Advancing Paulinian Core Values as SPUP’s Response to Climate Change” in the 8th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) 2021. Conducted virtually through Whova Platform on November 12-14, 2021 (GMT), the international conference was spearheaded by Tomorrow People Organization (based in Belgrade, Serbia), with the theme, “Economic Development, Environment, Climate Change and Renewable Energy.” Dr. Lappay joined the selected pool of speakers from other countries like: Spain, Japan, Poland, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Bangladesh, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Thailand, Iran, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and Tunisia.

In his presentation, Dr. Lappay highlighted the incorporation of the Paulinian Core Values in St. Paul University Philippines’ (SPUP) environmental programs, projects, activities, and partnerships towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 13) on Climate Change. He also demonstrated the ability of SPUP to foster relevant and responsive environmental advocacy by engaging its academic and partner-communities for the advancement of its Climate Change-related undertakings. Furthermore, he also expounded the paradigm on SPUP Environmental Core Values, where the principles of ecological spirituality, environmental integrity, environmental justice, environmental engagement, and environmental stewardship reflect the Paulinian Core Values.

Participated in by more than 300 participants, comprised of global stakeholders, academics as well as professionals, NGO, corporate and government representatives from different parts of the world, the 8th Sustainable Development Conference offered both a platform and an opportunity for learning, networking and sharing of ideas with prominent leaders, experts and researchers in various fields pertinent to realization of the SDGs. The virtual convergence also focused on the discussions of sustainable development, green technologies, climate change mitigation, use of renewable energy, public policy designs, cultural development, transformative leadership, and management of natural and economic resources.