Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, the ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Philippines, addressed UPLB at the REDREC Auditorium on Sept. 7 in a pivotal dialogue centered on science, technology, and climate change. 

Attendees got an insight into how the Philippines and the UK collaborate in tackling global challenges and strengthening academic and diplomatic connections.

The welcome remarks given by Chancellor Jose V Camacho Jr. set the tone for the session. Highlighting the commitment toward a sustainable future, Camacho expressed pride in taking part in strengthening ties between the Philippines and the UK through academic exchange, knowledge curation, and a shared pursuit for inclusive and sustainable development. 

Dr. Mark Oliver S. Llangco, UPLB General Education Program chair and a UK Advance Higher Education fellow, introduced Beaufils, illuminating her impactful roles in the UK government and her sincere dedication to environmental sustainability. 

Radiating enthusiasm, Beaufils remarked, “I feel that this university is one with which we, as the British Embassy in the Philippines, have lots in common. Lots that we have done together, great ambitions to do even more together.” 

Beaufils’ lecture underscored the mutual understanding and partnership between the UK and the Philippines in addressing global challenges. She stressed the importance of addressing climate change and environmental issues, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies and strong research collaboration. 

She also elaborated on initiatives such as the Darwin Initiative Extra, which provides grants for research projects related to climate change, and the upcoming joint committee on science of UK and the Philippines.

During the open forum, Beaufils tackled critical questions ranging from the UK’s responsibility in spearheading climate action to the role of social sciences and science communication in climate research. 

She reaffirmed the UK’s support for the Philippines in just and energy transitions and touched on the topic of ocean health in the country. Emphasizing the UK’s initiatives toward a sustainable future, she highlighted the importance of supporting vulnerable countries and the transformative role of education.

In a decisive nod to inclusivity, Beaufils conveyed, “It is the responsibility of the older generation, people like myself, to also make sure that we give that space and that voice to younger women.”

Following Beaufils’ lecture, Lotus Postrado, the first Filipino country director of the British Council in the Philippines and an alumna of UPLB, delved into the multifaceted initiatives of the British Council, spanning from higher education to English and to arts and culture. 

This was complemented by the next part of the program, which discussed various scholarship opportunities in the UK, such as the Chevening Scholarship, Researcher Connect Online, Transnational Education, and the Women in STEM Scholarship. He encouraged aspiring scholars to explore these opportunities, emphasizing the importance of leadership and qualifications.

The event wrapped up with remarks from Professor Jomar F. Rabajante of the UPLB Graduate School, asserting, “We are one with you in making our world future-proof and resilient, especially for the next generation.” He also discussed the dual PhD program of UPLB implemented in partnership with the University of Reading.

The event highlighted the shared commitment of the Philippines and the UK to address climate change and unveiled new opportunities for Filipino students to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the years to come. (Czera Jade P. Maycacayan)