The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), in partnership with University Canada West (UCW), successfully conducted the lecture-workshop “Financing Sustainability in a Global Context” on 26 February 2026 at the UPOU CCDL Auditorium in Los Baños, Laguna, with participants also joining online via Zoom.

The activity formed part of the UPOU anniversary celebrations and aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of how financial systems, investment strategies, and governance frameworks can support sustainable development initiatives across sectors. The workshop gathered students, faculty members, researchers, administrators, and professionals from various institutions in the Philippines and abroad. 

The program opened with welcome remarks from UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano, who underscored the importance of strengthening global academic collaboration and exploring innovative approaches to financing sustainability initiatives. She emphasized that addressing complex sustainability challenges requires interdisciplinary dialogue and partnerships between universities, financial institutions, governments, and communities.

The lecture-workshop featured Dr. Urooj Malik, Associate Professor at University Canada West and Visiting Professor at UPOU as the resource speaker. In his presentation, Dr. Malik discussed the drivers of sustainability and the interconnected global issues of poverty, environmental degradation, climate change, and resource depletion. He highlighted that sustainability challenges are “wicked problems” arising from the interaction of global economic systems, societal dynamics, and environmental limits.

Dr. Malik emphasized that the financial system plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable development outcomes. Through sustainable finance mechanisms—such as green bonds, social impact bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment funds—capital can be directed toward initiatives that generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. Sustainable finance, he noted, integrates ESG considerations into financial decision-making, shifting the traditional focus from short-term profit to long-term value creation.

An interactive group activity formed a key component of the workshop. Participants were divided into ten thematic groups—five onsite and five online—to conduct a problem-tree analysis of sustainability challenges and propose possible financing mechanisms to address them. The themes included renewable energy, climate change, poverty alleviation, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, reforestation, equitable livelihoods, inclusive governance, green transport, and clean water and sanitation.

Each group presented their proposed solutions, highlighting the potential role of investors, governments, development banks, and communities in mobilizing resources to support sustainability initiatives. The activity encouraged participants to connect theoretical frameworks with practical solutions applicable in local and global contexts.

The event also highlighted the growing academic partnership between UPOU and University Canada West. A symbolic photo opportunity during the program celebrated the institutions’ Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their shared commitment to international collaboration in sustainability education, research, and capacity building.

The photo opportunity was joined by UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Aurora V. Lacaste, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, and FMDS Dean Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, representing UPOU, together with Dr. Urooj Malik from University Canada West. The moment symbolized the strengthening partnership between the two institutions and reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing sustainability education and global academic collaboration.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies, who emphasized the importance of sustaining dialogue and collaborative action in the areas of sustainable finance and development. She encouraged participants to apply the insights and knowledge gained from the lecture-workshop in their respective fields, institutions, and communities.

Through initiatives such as this lecture-workshop, UPOU continues to strengthen its role as a platform for interdisciplinary learning and global engagement, empowering learners and professionals to contribute to sustainable development and responsible financial practices. The activity contributes to the advancement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Written by: Dona Lyn M. Piamonte• Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals