The 13th ISTR Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2025: Opening Keynote Speech of Sec. Briones

The 13th ISTR Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2025: Opening Keynote Speech of Sec. Briones

UP NCPAG Professor Emeritus Leonor Magtolis Briones delivered the opening keynote speech. She defined civil society organizations (CSOs) and shared experiences and reflections on some of the challenges CSOs face, as well as efforts of CSOs to address these challenges—particularly in Asia-Pacific countries, where she has worked in the past.

Professor Emeritus Briones touched on key issues such as poverty alleviation, government accountability, the global debt crisis, the environment, and public finance. In the Philippines, she cited the EDSA People Power and post-People Power Movement as examples, highlighting a critical point that while CSOs often return to their specific advocacies after achieving victories, it is worth considering whether they should participate in government to sustain the reforms they fought for. She also said that CSOs have always addressed the spiritual and humanistic aspects of society and promoted government accountability.

In line with the Conference theme, “Civil Society’s role in sustainability: social, economic, and the environment”, she stressed the need for the political role of CSO as they call for their specific advocacies. At the end of the day, she argued that political action is needed to translate the valuable research and advocacy efforts of CSO groups. Many CSOs are recognized for being vocal, yet much of their work is actually rooted in research. There should be recognition not only of efforts on global change, but also how civil society and the third sector organizations themselves are evolving.

Professor Emeritus Briones concluded her speech with a critical question:

“Should we dichotomize the role of civil society vis-Ă -vis the role of the state?

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To watch the Opening Program and Plenary of Day 1 of the ISTR Conference, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jev6iQ17n/

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For information about the ISTR Conference, click: ISTR Asia-Pacific website: https://www.istr.org/page/AsiaPacific

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