25 October 2023, Ottawa - Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Universities Canada at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to discuss its upcoming mission to the Philippines on 6-8 November 2023.
Universities Canada Interim President and CEO Philip Landon welcomed Ambassador Austria and shared that the 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, and highlight the significant opportunity to advance global partnerships and foster opportunities for education and research collaboration between Canada and the Philippines. Universities Canada represents 97 universities across Canada. At least 16 university presidents and representatives will join the delegation to the Philippines.
During the meeting, Ambassador Austria shared the partnership opportunities between the universities in Canada and the Philippines, especially in the areas of science, technology and innovation (STI), ocean governance and food security. She also encouraged universities to offer a Philippine Studies Program, citing York University and the University of Alberta as examples, which will help promote understanding of the rich history of the Philippines, and shed light on the experience and culture of the 1 million Filipinos in Canada, and their significant contributions to Canada’s nation-building.
Citing strong people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Canada and the evolving regional geo-political landscape, Ambassador Austria also highlighted the profound impact of Canadian education on the current affairs of the Philippines.
The breakfast meeting ended with those present renewing their commitment to work together towards strengthening education cooperation in priority areas of both countries.
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