Belgium’s approach to sustainable economic development took the spotlight during the third installment of the “UST World Lenses: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue with Students,” held on 28 April 2025 at the Dr. George SK Ty Hall of the University of Santo Tomas.

His Excellency Michel Parys, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Philippines, led the discussion with students from the UST College of Science, sharing how Belgium’s circular economy framework is not only reshaping industries but also aligning with public health priorities. His lecture offered a closer look at how sustainability and wellness can go hand in hand through practical, health-conscious economic strategies.

The circular economy, as explained by Ambassador Parys, promotes reducing waste and extending the life cycle of materials by prioritizing reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling instead of the traditional single-use model. This system, he noted, supports both ecological preservation and healthier communities by minimizing environmental hazards.

The academic dialogue coincided with the 414th founding anniversary of UST and was organized through a collaboration among the Office of Public Affairs, the Office for International Relations and Programs, and the College of Science. The event also comes ahead of the College of Science’s 100th founding anniversary in 2026.

UST World Lenses serves as a platform for students to engage directly with global thought leaders. Previous editions featured Argentinian diplomats Ana Clara Pianezza and Fabricio Sordoni, who explored the cultural and economic landscape of Argentina, as well as Polish conservator Dr. hab. Mirosław Wachowiak, who highlighted the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in art conservation.

With international guests offering diverse perspectives, the ongoing dialogue series reflects the university’s commitment to building global awareness and understanding through education.