Universities Canada’s Mission to the Philippines

About

Universities Canada, in collaboration with the Trade Commissioner Service in Manila, is coordinating a mission for university presidents to the Philippines.

Universities Canada Mission to the Philippines seeks to enhance the mutual understanding of the Canadian and Philippines higher education landscape to set the stage for long-term collaboration.

Under the theme of building sustainable partnerships, the mission will focus on facilitating partnerships that align with the outcomes of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a priority of both the Canadian and Philippine governments. As such, as the forum seeks to:

  • identify institutional partnership opportunities in higher education and training, including increasing two-way student mobility between the two countries;
  • promote international research collaboration, including identifying opportunities to partner with the Philippine government, research institutes and the private sector and building the capacity of Philippine institutions to conduct cutting-edge research that helps develop the Philippine economy;
  • develop direct business-to-business opportunities for participants in the Philippines and to engage with Canadian institutions; and
  • build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the Philippines, a priority country for both Universities Canada and the Government of Canada’s international education strategy.

Schedule

November 6, 2023

5:45 – 9 p.m.

Celebratory welcome dinner with the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, Canadian and Philippines delegates and the Department of Science and Technology Officials.

November 7, 2023

9 – 9:45 a.m.
Pre-forum meeting

Introduction to the Asian Development Bank (https://www.adb.org/)

Closed presentation for Canadian delegation only. This session will include information on the ADB procurement system and thematic opportunities, including opportunities in education.

9 – 10 a.m.
Registration for Philippine officials

10 – 10:30 a.m.
Welcoming remarks and housekeeping

  • Philip Landon, interim president and CEO, Universities Canada
  • H.E. David Hartman, ambassador of Canada to the Philippines

Opening remarks from Philippines officials

Introductory remarks by Dr. J. Prospero De Vera, deputy minister of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

MOU signing between CHED and Universities Canada (TBC)

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sustainable and long-term institutional partnerships between Canadian and Philippine institutions

This session will focus on expanding collaboration partnerships with the Philippines and discussing best practices with members already active in the region. Building on the success of partnerships between Philippine and Canadian institutions and tools already in place, the panel will explore areas where we can deepen institutional partnerships in mobility, education and training with a focus on sustainability and sustainable practices.

12 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.
Lunch

Presentation by Philippine Universities: Forging a Network for Sustainability: Collaboration between Canada and the Philippines on environmental sustainability to achieve the UN SDGs

1 – 2:15 p.m.
Building the Philippines’ research capacity through collaboration with Canadian Universities

This session will showcase Canada’s strengths in research and building a strong research ecosystem through the sharing of best practices in Industry-Academia collaboration. The session will explore expanding research partnerships between Canada and the Philippines while identifying ways to leverage cooperation with the industry in the Philippines.

2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Coffee break

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Concurrent thematic sessions:

  • Session A: Climate Smart Agriculture Forum: Sharing of Canada’s practices in enhancing global food security, building climate resilience, and increasing productivity in Agriculture
  • Session B: Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Building inclusive and richer communities through higher education collaboration
  • Session C: Women in Higher Education: Intensifying the role of women in higher education and internationalization

3:30 – 3:40 p.m.
Closing remarks and transition to B2B

Philip Landon, interim president and CEO, Universities Canada

3:50 – 5:30 p.m.
Meetings between Canadian and Philippines presidents

6 – 8:30 p.m.
Networking reception

November 8, 2023

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Concurrent visits

1 – 2:30 p.m.
Closing lunch and debriefing with Canadian university presidents

3 p.m. onwards
Canadian institutions to hold side events

Travel and venue

Airport

Attendees should plan to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila.

Venue and accommodations

The mission will take place at the Fairmont Makati. Universities Canada has secured a room block for delegates. Accommodation at a reduced rate is available by filling out the room reservation form (on Member Connect). Please email the completed form to reservations@makati@fairmount.com and rubi.devera@raffles.com. Airport transfers can be secured through the hotel.

Registration

Member institution presidents may register on Member Connect.

Please email rsvp@univcan.ca with any questions.

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Universities Canada