European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro and Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo recently addressed students in separate lectures organized under the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance’s Ambassador Lecture Series. 

Both events provided learners with insights on international relations while highlighting the importance of diplomacy in regional and domestic stability.

Santoro’s talk, “The European Union: A Vital Partner for the Philippines, Southeast Asia and Beyond”, was a joint effort between the European Studies Association of the Philippines and the SDG.

The discussion revolved on the highlights of the relationship between the EU and the country, as well as the security and economic challenges where the EU may assist. It likewise tackled the future of EU-Philippine relations.

“It has been also conducted in light of the growing importance of the European Union, not merely as a development actor but more importantly as a security actor amid the challenges the Philippines and the region — as a whole — is currently facing,” Benilde SDG Consular and Diplomatic Affairs/Diplomacy and International Affairs Faculty and Practicum coordinator Josue Raphael Cortez noted.

During the open forum, Santoro responded to questions on pressing international issues. These included the possible repercussions of US President Donald Trump’s victory not just on their correspondence with the US, but also on global trading and politics in general.

Aside from Santoro, Political Affairs officer Thelma Gecolea and intern Nadine Ismael were present at the ESAP x SDG Lecture Series as representatives of the European delegation to the Philippines. ESAP president and Ateneo European Studies Program director Dr. Manuel Enverga III, the first-ever Filipino to receive a Jean Monnet Chair position, served as the reactor. Attendees came from partner institutions including De La Salle University-Manila, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, San Beda University-Rizal Campus, and Muntinlupa Business High School-Sucat Annex.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Endo spoke on the long-standing friendship between Japan and the Philippines in a lecture entitled “The Philippines and Japan: An Enduring Partnership for Regional and Domestic Peace and Security.”

The event aimed to bolster bilateral relations and promote lasting stability while giving students a more comprehensive knowledge of international relations and honing up-and-coming leaders in diplomacy and governance.

Endo highlighted the two nations’ robust ties, deeply rooted in mutual trust and unity. His presentation included Japan’s support in strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard’s maritime law enforcement capabilities through the provision of patrol vessels, boats and equipment. Another prominent project financed by the Japanese government was the Central Luzon Link Expressway.

The diplomat looked forward to future partnerships between the Philippines and Japan in terms of peace and security, trade and investment, as well as education and cultural exchange. He likewise noted the pivotal role of youth involvement in promoting international cooperation and further inspired students to join initiatives that foster collaboration and understanding. An open forum followed.

Both lectures underscored the importance of cultivating young leaders and strengthening regional and global partnerships, providing students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with diplomats and understand the evolving dynamics of international relations.