UNGC spearheads United Nations 80th celebration with peace-keeping initiatives and global collaboration

A gathering of peace-loving individuals posed for posterity at Ballroom I of Taal Vista Hotel 

 

United Nations Day was celebrated on October 24. As the world commemorated 80 years since its founding, the Philippines stands proud among the global community of nations continuing to uphold the UN’s vision of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity.

In humble contribution to this legacy, the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC) — through its Founder and President Jenny Pearl Bautista Ninalga — joined partners and advocates across education, the arts, and social innovation in advancing initiatives that celebrate the theme “Building the Future Together.”

Throughout October, UNGC led a series of transformative programs connecting learning, creativity, sustainability, and peace-building in meaningful ways that bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life.

It’s an honor and privileged for this writer to have joined the UNGC team as its PRO and Media Team Leader, and at the same time, as a Founding faculty Director for the Media Studies and Journalism Institute for its the World Changers Academy (WCA) which was launched on October 9.

World Changers Academy: Empowering a New Generation of Global Citizens

WCA is a pioneering education initiative of the UNGC that aims to advance Global Citizenship Education through transformative learning and advanced technologies. The Academy cultivates changemakers who think globally, act locally, and live purposefully — empowering learners to translate the SDGs into everyday action.

At its core, its visionary leaders include Coach Dino Badilla, Founding Faculty Director for Global Leadership Education; Coach Maricar B. Sandalo, Founding Faculty Director for Human Development and Empowerment; Direk Logie Ninalga, UNGC Vice President for Operations, Partnerships & Linkages; Prof. Pilar Bautista, UNGC Vice President for Education, Communications, and Community Development; Mr. Enzo Beltran, UNGC Young Professionals Group, Founding Faculty for Youth and Entrepreneurship Development & Empowerment. 

The Gen Zs participants of the Lakaran Project in New Lucena, Iloilo

The Lakaran Project and InnerStory Workshop: Art Meets Activism

From October 10–15, the UNGC team traveled to Iloilo for the Lakaran Project, a mini-series inspired by the legacy of the late Nicanor “Nick” Perlas, whose vision for regenerative futures and social threefolding continues to influence the Philippines’ sustainable path.

The project was produced in partnership with the Solution Ecosystems Activator, Inc (SEA), Iloilo-based Civil Society Group (CSG), under the leadership of Executive Director Anne Fanega, with Cheryl Luis serving as Production Manager.

Direk JP with SEA Inc.'s Anne Fanega (left) and Cheryl Luis (right) during the certification ceremony for the Lakaran workshop

The Lakaran filming explored how local communities, through participatory governance and collaboration, embody the essence of “building the future together.”

During the visit, Direk JP Ninalga, also a movie director and life coach, conducted the InnerStory Acting Workshop, blending social artistry and narrative therapy to help participants reconnect with empathy, authenticity, and purpose as storytellers for peace.

Also in line with the 80th celebration is the the establishment of UN Peace Centers across the Philippines recognizing establishments as beacons of peace, sustainability, and global citizenship— destinations that will serve as Community Peace and Global Citizens Hubs, advancing learning, dialogue, and action aligned with the UN SDGs.

Conferments were made possible with the steadfast partnership and support of the Global United Nations Association (Global UNA), under the leadership of Mr. Roderick “Ric” Cruz, Interim Past President of UNA Philippines and President Global UNA Chapter.

UNGC President Jenny Pearl Ninalga led the recitation of Peace Pledge at Casa Alegria Tagaytay

Casa Alegria Tagaytay: The First Artists’ UN Peace Center

On October 17, the advocacy reached a new creative milestone with “The Story of Us,” an InnerStory Workshop on peace and humanity at Casa Alegria Tagaytay.

The following day, October 18, Casa Alegria was officially conferred as a UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub, recognizing it as an artists’ community dedicated to dialogue, creativity, and shared humanity through art.

Joan Karen Vallesteros with this writer, received the World Changer Award for Mr. Alvin Alvin Carranza at Casa Alegria from Dr. Dary Dacanay, President Global UNAP Professionals, and UNAP Global President Ric Cruz.

During the event, Mr. Alvin Carranza — environmental advocate, visionary entrepreneur, and supporter of community development — was honored with the World Changer Award by UNGC, celebrating his enduring contributions to sustainable entrepreneurship and social responsibility.

The ceremonial turnover of the UN flag at Taal Vista Hotel (above) was followed by the hoisting of the UN flag at the hotel property grounds (below). 

 

Taal Vista Hotel: Heritage Meets Sustainability

The legacy continued on October 21, with the Conferment of Taal Vista Hotel as a UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub, in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC).

This historic landmark embodies how sustainability, culture, and peace can thrive together.

At the event, Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy, President of SMHCC, was honored with both the UNA Presidential Medal and the World Changer Award, recognizing her leadership in advancing environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and inclusive growth within the hospitality industry.

The ceremony gathered members of the Diplomatic Corps, UNESCO, CHED, DepEd, Global UNA, and UNA Philippines, alongside business leaders and media partners.

 

Taal Vista and SMHCC team with the United Nations delegates at the hotel grounds

UN@80: Building the Future Together

The United Nations’ 80th Anniversary theme, “Building the Future Together,” came alive through these milestones.

From classrooms to communities, from storytelling to sustainability, the United Network of Global Citizens continues to bridge education, art, and advocacy to nurture a culture of peace and empathy.

“Beyond goals lies a deeper responsibility — to raise a generation of global citizens who not only demand change but embody it. Because peace does not begin in policies, but in people,” Direk JP shared.

Through the World Changers Academy, the InnerStory Movement, and the creation of UN Peace Centers nationwide, UNGC proves that every space can be a platform for peace — and every story, a voice for hope. And despite the chaos of this world, the quest for peace continues. 

SMHCC's Ms. Nian Rigor (2nd from left) with media friends and partners. 

UNGC Team with media friends and Taal Vista Hotel’s Ms. Faith Dimaano (2nd from left)

Our media team with Mr. Nick Pelaez (3rd from left) at St.Nicholas Tagaytay, a charming garden restaurant, which offers unlimited afternoon snacks for an affordable price of P299 at the time of our visit.