SENATOR Loren Legarda made a strong call to action for foresight-driven diplomacy and leadership during the Regional Foresight Conference on Emerging International Issues at Seda Manila Bay, Parañaque City on Aug. 27, 2025.
The conference, hosted by the Foreign Service Institute of the Philippines in connection with the 2nd Retreat of Diplomatic Academies in Southeast Asia, highlighted the increasing recognition that foresight studies and future thinking must be integral to diplomatic training and the development of foreign policy.
Legarda stressed that Southeast Asian nations must strengthen their capacity to anticipate and prepare for pressing challenges such as climate change and environmental risks, technological disruptions, shifting global power dynamics and geopolitical rivalries, health crises and pandemics, and regional security and maritime issues, including the South China Sea.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Culture and Arts and an advocate of environmental protection and climate action, underscored the Philippines’ proactive role in environmental diplomacy.
She cited the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change, the country’s leadership in the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the V20 Group, as well as collaborations with global leaders
In addition to environmental advocacy, the senator highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering connections between nations. Legarda mentioned initiatives she spearheaded such as Sentro Rizal, a global network of cultural centers that brings Filipino arts, language, and heritage to the world.
She also mentioned that the Philippines will be the Guest of Honor country at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, marking a significant moment for Southeast Asian cultural representation.
The conference featured research presentations from participating diplomatic academies, created independently or in collaboration with academic institutions.
