NWU pioneers futures, inaugurates first UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair Programme in PH
Northwestern University (NWU) in Laoag City has achieved a significant milestone by launching the first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – University Twinning and Networking Scheme (UNITWIN) Chair Programme in the Philippines. The grand inauguration of the UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities took place on October 12, 2023, at the NWU International House.
This event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares, Secretary General of the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM); Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of the Commission on Higher Education – Region 1 (CHEDRO1); Hon. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte; Hon. Michael Marcos Keon, Mayor of the City Government of Laoag, and representatives from various higher education institutions and organizations in the Philippines.
The UNESCO Chair granted to NWU aims to undertake research, learning, and community engagement activities that deepen and extend knowledge of public institutions and communities on anticipatory systems and processes that enhance decision-making capabilities throughout society, with a particular emphasis on regenerative futures and governance systems. This program will be led by Prof. Shermon O. Cruz as the Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities, alongside Prof. Maria Liza S. Nicolas as the Co-Chairholder, and Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, the Host University President.
“The grant of the UNESCO futures chair for this endeavor provides for us a platform that broadens the scope of our reach. The UNESCO futures chair in Northwestern University, with Chairholder Prof. Shermon O. Cruz and Co-Chairholder Maria Liza S. Nicolas, is offered in service for the Philippines and the Filipino people. With the support of UNESCO, we endeavor to empower different institutions and individuals with the capabilities to engage in futures thinking and strategic foresight to chart the course and engineer the future they desire for themselves,” said Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, as he welcomes the guest and shares the journey towards the grant of UNESCO Chair at NWU.
Former UNESCO Futures Literacy Head, Dr. Riel Miller, and Prof. Shermon O. Cruz shared the journey of Northwestern University and its partnership with UNESCO that led to the grant of the UNESCO Chair at NWU. The honored guests also expressed their message of support for the establishment of the UNESCO Chair in the Philippines.
“Let us all help in shaping a future in which cities are resilient and flourishing. Governance is not merely reactive but anticipatory, and commitments in sustainability are people-oriented. To all partners I enjoin you to participate in this transformative journey towards a brighter, more regenerative future for our cities and the rest of humanity,” said Dr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares, UNACOM Secretary General.
Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, CHED Region 1 Director, commended NWU’s achievement and advocacy, saying, “CHED Region 1 stands in full support of Northwestern University’s mission to champion anticipatory governance and regenerative cities and we are fully aware of the commitment, dedication, and expertise of your leaders, faculty, staff and, students that have contributed to this remarkable event. This recognition does not just honor the university it reflects the collective aspirations of our region, of our country, and indeed, the entire world.”
Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos and Mayor Michael Marcos Keon also lauded the UNESCO Chair and NWU’s dedication to anticipatory governance.
“Too much is given, much is required. We should not rest on this accolade that is given but may be something to push you forward and further especially in anticipatory governance and regenerative cities. We really should have more of our local leaders exposed to such thinking,” said Vice Governor Marcos.
“The launching of the UNESCO Futures Chair at Northwestern University signifies a pivotal moment in the institution’s journey. It will serve as a vibrant platform, bringing together researchers, scholars, policy makers, and practitioners from diverse fields to collaborate, exchange ideas, and create solutions. I am quite surprised about the capability of Northwestern University. It’s an honor, as the Ama ti Siyudad, to work with you,” Mayor Keon added.
Dr. Ernesto O. Brown, the Director of the Socio-Economic Research Division at Department of Science and Technology PCAARRD, and Atty. Engelbert Caronan, Jr., the President and CEO of the Development Academy of the Philippines, look forward to the good things that the UNESCO Chair will achieve through their messages of support.
Prof. Sohail Inayatullah and Dr. John Sweeney, both UNESCO Chairholders, together with Shams Hamid, Founding Director of IMAGINE Institute of Futures Studies in Pakistan, show their full support to the newly-inaugurated UNESCO Chair through their messages.
Prof. Shermon O. Cruz, UNESCO Chairholder on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities, shares the plans and programs of the Chair to lead, pioneer, and amplify efforts to build the capacity of national, city leaders, stakeholders, and partners to use the future as an asset, tool and resource to transform our ways of knowing and approaches to public policy and governance in a regenerative context.
“The point of futures literacy is for us to know and to be aware that we must be conscious about it because if we are conscious about it then it becomes an asset, a resource, a tool that you can actually use. The future like the past, as an active aspect of the present, to innovate a change today,” said Prof. Cruz.
The UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities will initiate programs including trainings, researches, workshops, partnerships, and knowledge products among others. This groundbreaking endeavor promises to shape a brighter, more regenerative future for the Philippines and beyond.