The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is organizing another hybrid webinar under the Let’s Talk it Over (LTiO) series titled “#MakeClimateAConversation: Integrating Social Work, Gender Justice, and Climate Talk” scheduled on 30 March 2026, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 NN, at the UPOU Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, via Zoom and through various UPOU streaming platforms. 

The event is organized with the Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, Worldwide Teach-In (WWTI) Philippines, and Youth for Active Citizenship and Leadership (YACAL) Pilipinas in celebration of Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Month. This is also in collaboration with the UPOU Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) in observance of the National Women’s Month and World Social Work Day, highlighting the interconnected roles of gender, social work, and climate action in addressing pressing global challenges. UPOU FMDS has been participating in the Worldwide Teach-In activity since 2021.

In line with these observances, the seminar aims to expand the climate conversation beyond environmental advocates and specialists by emphasizing that addressing climate change requires participation from all sectors of society. Through this teach-in, the event aims to foster dialogue that encourages everyone to move from being “climate-aware” to becoming “climate-engaged.”

Specifically, the event seeks to highlight the role of women and social work in advancing social and environmental action, examine climate justice in ASEAN, and strengthen the role of youth in promoting climate and justice education.

In a move to concretize the conversations into learning opportunities, the event will be followed by the official launch of the Gender Sensitivity Training Microcredential (GST MC) as part of the Gender and Development (GAD) Microcredentials Series. This microcredential will mark the commencement of the University’s efforts to strengthen Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) for Women Empowerment and Gender and Development. These initiatives will serve the society in upscaling the skills of gender-focused professionals, enabling them to effectively serve their organizations and communities. Stay tuned for the event, as two additional microcredentials will be unveiled during the proceedings.

These upcoming initiatives contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Interested participants may register through this link: https://url.upou.edu.ph/LTIO-Reg30Mar26.

Written by: Vanessa T. Autor and Clarenz Rendell B. Ocampo • Edited by:  Larry N. Cruz and Noreen Dianne S. Alazada

Sustainable Development Goals