AMBASSADOR SERVIGON OF THE PHILIPPINE MISSION TO ASEAN

SPEAKS AT THE 2021 UST MODEL ASEAN MEETING

JAKARTA, 17 February 2021 – Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Noel Servigon, participated as guest speaker in the 2021 University of Santo Tomas (UST) Model ASEAN Meeting (MAM) held virtually on 13 February 2021.

Speaking on the topic, “The New Normal in ASEAN Meetings and Events,” Ambassador Servigon discussed how multilateral diplomacy, particularly, the conduct of meetings and events in ASEAN, had to transform and adapt under the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambassador Servigon delved on the good features as well as the challenges of virtual diplomacy as experienced by the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN during the past year. Among the good features, he noted that “Working from home brings environmental benefits.  The carbon footprint which accompanies air and land travel is dramatically reduced.” He also pointed out that among the challenges of virtual diplomacy is that “The traditional tête-à-tête or face-to-face intimate conversations or huddles by leaders and top officials on sensitive topics are unfortunately no longer possible in these times.”

He concluded his talk by highlighting that in diplomatic meetings, the message should be conveyed effectively.  He stressed that diplomats should constantly identify all sorts of scenarios in international engagements and be prepared to innovate.

The UST Model ASEAN Meeting is a yearly project organized by the Asian Studies Society of the UST’s Faculty of Arts and Letters.  The theme for this year’s UST MAM is “The New Normal in Motion: Pursuing Regional Developments in Time of COVID-19.” (END)