The Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) hosted the NERPS 2025 Conference from March 5 to 7, 2025, at De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines. This was NERPS’s 4th international conference.
The opening ceremony and keynote addresses were held at Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University, on March 5th. After the invocation and the national anthem of the Philippines, Br. Bernard Oca FSC, President of De La Salle University, and Prof. Shinji Kaneko, Executive Vice President and Director of NERPS at Hiroshima University, delivered a welcome message to all conference participants. The ceremony continued with the first opening remarks by Hon. Dr. Carlos Primo David, Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines, where he highlighted key topics of the conference. Following him, Mr. Hanada Takahiro, Minister and Consul General of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, took the podium for the second set of opening remarks, discussing the significance of the event and the expectations surrounding it. Participants were then introduced to our first keynote speaker, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, who highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations in fostering international collaboration for sustainable development, emphasizing the UN’s role in shaping inclusive and ethical technological advancements for a better future. H.E. Commissioner Prof. Dr. Alvin Culaba, Commissioner on Science and Technology at the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, delivered the second keynote address, providing valuable insights into the intersection of technology, sustainability, and policy-making, offering a forward-looking perspective on how scientific advancements can address global challenges.
The NERPS 2025 Conference brought together 170 researchers, practitioners, and students from 43 universities, research institutes, and NGOs across 38 countries. It also provided scholarships to 12 students from developing countries. The event featured 41 sessions and 147 oral presentations.
During the closing ceremony, the conference co-chairs, Prof. Ayyoob Sharifi and Dr. Dahlia Simangan of the IDEC Institute of Hiroshima University along with Prof. Anthony Shun Fung Chiu, Vice President for External Relations and Internationalization, De La Salle University and Co-Chair presented the awards to three outstanding papers and three best oral presentations.
Md. Amzad Hossain from Hiroshima University, Fahad Ahmed from the Asian Institute of Technology, and Md. Nazmul Haque from Hiroshima University received the Best Paper Awards. Meanwhile, Kamaleddin Aghaloo and Truong Pham from Hiroshima University and Kaila Jade Batuigas, Lean Carlo Khrystoffer Ege, and Kris Bernard Mutia from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology won the Best Presentation Awards.
Prof. Anthony Shun Fung Chiu gave the closing remarks and announced that the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan, will be the partner university and venue for the NERPS 2026 Conference.
Parallel sessions
Excursion & City Tour
The NERPS 2025 Conference was supported by Murdoch University, Columbia Climate School, The University of Queensland, Urban Institute, Lakehead University, Davao del Norte State College, Asian Institute of Technology, Universita per Stranieri, Center for Social Change, University of South Florida, United Nations University, Tohoku University (Research Centre for Policy Design) and Earth Sytem Governance.
Written by Elham Saberi, Education and Research Promotion Officer
Testimonials from our NERPS 2025 Conference
Attending the NERPS Conference was an enriching experience that broadened my perspectives on peace, resilience, and sustainability. The conference brought together diverse group of scholars, researchers, and practitioners, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations. The well-structured sessions, insightful presentations, and engaging panel discussions provided a platform for knowledge exchange and innovative ideas. NERPS’ commitment to interdisciplinary research and global networking was truly inspiring. The emphasis on sustainable peace solutions, policy implications, and real-world applications made the conference highly impactful. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with experts and like-minded professionals from different parts of the world, which has significantly enhanced my research outlook. I highly recommend the NERPS Conference to anyone passionate about making a positive impact in the field of peace and sustainability. It is a remarkable platform for learning, networking, and contributing to meaningful change.
Dr. Rita Shome Assistant Professor, Sukumar Sengupta Mahavidyalaya, India
I have attended and presented in many academic conferences around the world, the organization, execution and delivery of the NERPS 2025 Conference at the De La Salle University in Manila Philippines was excellent.
Dr. Philip Manyi Omenge (Nyumba Foundation Kenya)
Joining the NERPS Conference for the first time was an unforgettable experience. As an undergraduate student surrounded by experienced professionals, I initially felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, being welcomed into meaningful conversations and having our work recognized made me realize that every voice, no matter how young, can contribute to the larger goal of peacebuilding. One of the most rewarding parts was meeting people from across the globe who shared the same passion for creating positive change. Hearing their stories and perspectives not only broadened my understanding but also inspired me to continue advocating for youth-led initiatives. This experience validated the hard work we put into our research and reinforced my belief that young people play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our work, learn from others, and be part of a global community working toward peace.
Kaila Jade E. Batuigas (Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (Philippines)
You must be logged in to post a comment.