Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The 6th Katipunan Conference, themed "Philippine Strategic Outlook 2024 Onwards: National Security and Economic Resilience," brings a unique opportunity to analyze and discuss the Philippines' pressing strategic issues. Taking place on November 5, 2024, at The Loft, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, this one-day event promises to gather thought leaders, policy experts, academics, and government representatives. With space for 150 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, the conference encourages early registration to ensure a spot at this pivotal forum.
Organized by the Strategic Studies Program of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS), Ateneo School of Government, and Miriam College, the conference aims to provide evidence-based discussions on how the country can balance national defense with economic sustainability.
Keynote speakers include Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go.
The morning plenary will feature discussions on internal security, intelligence, and the country’s strategy in the West Philippine Sea.
Conference Schedule and Sessions
The conference is structured to maximize engagement and facilitate in-depth discussions on a range of strategic topics. It will be divided into two major parts:
Morning Plenary Session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
This session sets the stage with an overview of the conference’s themes, unpacking both national security and economic resilience in the Philippine context. Registration for the morning plenary begins at 8:30 AM, and attendees can expect keynote addresses and discussions from prominent leaders and experts.
Afternoon Panel Sessions (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
Following a break for lunch, the conference will resume with specialized panels. Afternoon registration opens at 12:30 PM, accommodating attendees who may only be available for the afternoon sessions. During this time, attendees can choose from multiple parallel panel discussions covering specific themes.
Afternoon Panel Selections: A Deep Dive into Key Issues
To address the complexities of the Philippine strategic landscape, the afternoon sessions will feature seven focused panels, enabling participants to engage in more tailored discussions based on their areas of interest:
Panel 1: Intelligence Frontiers:
Shaping Philippine Strategy in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape
As regional dynamics continue to shift, this panel explores how intelligence can guide policy and bolster strategic positioning amid growing uncertainties.
Panel 2: Forging Resilient Economic Futures:
Philippine-China Relations in Focus
Economic ties between the Philippines and China are both opportunities and challenges. This panel will delve into ways to navigate the complexities of this relationship, particularly with a focus on economic resilience and self-reliance.
Panel 3: Internal Security and Governance in the Philippines:
Civil, Economic, and Human Dimensions
Examining how governance and security intersect, this panel will consider internal challenges such as civil strife, economic inequality, and human rights.
Panel 4: Examining Foreign Interference:
Global Forces and Local Impacts in the Philippines
As the Philippines becomes increasingly intertwined with global networks, this panel assesses the impact of foreign interference on domestic affairs and examines strategies to safeguard sovereignty.
Panel 5: Strategic Imperatives:
Shaping Philippine National Security in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
This panel investigates how the Philippines can recalibrate its national security policies to respond effectively to regional and global shifts.
Panel 6: Cybersecurity, Innovation, and Sustainability:
Strategic Technologies for the Philippines
Addressing the digital frontier, this panel will cover the integration of cybersecurity, technological innovation, and sustainability as pillars for a future-ready Philippines.
Panel 7: Maritime Defense and Diplomacy:
Building Strategic Resilience in the West Philippine Sea
The West Philippine Sea remains a critical area for Philippine defense and diplomacy. This panel will explore strategies to reinforce maritime sovereignty and resilience in the region.
Participant Information and Requirements
The organizers emphasize the importance of attendance and active participation. Attendees will receive certificates of participation provided they attend the morning plenary session and at least one afternoon panel session. Additionally, they must complete an evaluation and feedback form at the end of the conference. Certificates are intended to recognize the valuable insights and contributions of each participant, acknowledging their role in shaping discussions around the country's future.
Networking and Engagement
The 6th Katipunan Conference isn’t only a platform for information-sharing—it’s an invaluable opportunity for networking. Academics, government officials, policymakers, and civil society leaders will come together, creating a space where collaborative ideas can emerge. For attendees, it represents a chance to forge professional connections and share insights with some of the Philippines' most influential minds.
Practical Details
Venue: The Loft, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University
Date and Time: November 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lunch and Refreshments: Registered participants will be provided with lunch, and both morning and afternoon attendees will enjoy snacks and free-flowing coffee.
Closing Remarks: A Forward-Looking Vision
The 6th Katipunan Conference will undoubtedly foster a forward-looking vision for the Philippines. Through the collective insights and collaborative efforts of all participants, the conference aims to lay a foundation for policies and strategies that can address the challenges of 2024 and beyond.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
