Safe and Sound Cities Global Convening 2023

The Global Convening session, a two-day event, was filled with energy and enthusiasm with our participants and speakers from the young people, local government, private sector and CSOs!

During the first day, the Safe and Sound Cities Baguio team provide updates regarding the roll-out of the Programme in the City, highlighting the recent success of the Youth Innovation Challenge application process where we have selected the Top 10 projects from our young people. Also, a message from ICLEI Southeast Asia was delivered and the group was oriented on the SIGLAT – Baguio Youth Innovation Hub and the ongoing counterpart initiative of the City Government of Baguio led by the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO).

A Virtual Reality (VR) and Mootup orientation was then conducted commencing the immersive Virtual Reality experience of our participants! With 3 VR sessions, delegates were able to participate in the virtual city tours, exhibit and networking activities.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Ar. Donna Tabangin also participated as virtual panel speakers for the Southeast Asia Governance forum.

The day was capped with Global Infrastructure Basel’s virtual forum on the Highlights and Impacts of S2Cities at the global level.

The second day of the session was filled with an insightful discussion and sharing of experience from UPB SILBI. As a social innovation incubation program itself, it was indeed a helpful topic for our youth and innovators.

Followed by a discussion and workshop from UP Baguio Outcrop and UPB OBRA on mobile media production. Guided by the facilitators, our participants were able to produce dynamic outputs tackling safety concerns of youth in the city. Indeed, this will be helpful for the coming days in further amplifying the issues and initiatives of our young people!

Another round of VR session was conducted which highlighted youth initiatives from fellow partners in Naga City and Bandung City, Indonesia. The Baguio youth panel also presented urban safety issues faced by our youth that includes concerns on mental health, environment, human rights among others.