UPLB, through the School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) will launch its newest Doctor of Philosophy program (PhD) offering – the PhD in Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations (EDN) – at 1 pm on June 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila.
The launch will feature messages from Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. and SESAM Dean Rico C. Ancog and a round table discussion (RTD) on environmental diplomacy and negotiations led by Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, SESAM faculty member and former UPLB vice chancellor for research and extension.
Dr. Ben Malayang, former SESAM dean and Silliman University Professor Emeritus, as well as lawyer and SESAM alumnus Jonas R. Leones, who is currently an undersecretary at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will deliberate on the motivation of UPLB to pioneer the EDN curricular program at a technical session that will follow the RTD.
The technical discussion will also elaborate on the need for EDN in environmental management and governance and the current practice of EDN in international relations.
A press conference will also take place after the technical session, followed by cocktails which UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez and members of the diplomatic community are expected to attend.
PhD EDN was officially institutionalized at the 1379th meeting of the UP Board of Regents on April 3, 2023. Its launch program aims to provide an advanced understanding of the science of the environment needed for environmental diplomatic relations and negotiations at the local, regional, and global levels.
The PhD EDN program will cover in-depth analyses of the global environmental system, theoretical, analytical, research methodological, and ethical foundations of environmental diplomacy and negotiations for global environmental issues, international environmental policies and institutions, and environmental conflict resolution and management.
It is specially designed to develop competent environmental leaders, scholars, and professionals in the region who can advance evidence-based information into local, national, and foreign policies and relations to advance the interest of the environment.
The PhD EDN program will be offered by UPLB beginning first semester of School Year 2023-24 (TPLawas and CBGigantone).