11 March 2026, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez joined fellow heads of mission as a panelist at the International Women’s Day Forum hosted by Sookmyung University, marking the university’s 120th anniversary. Held under the theme “Global Solidarity for Equality and a Sustainable Future,” the forum convened diplomats and academic leaders to exchange perspectives on advancing gender equality through global cooperation and the critical role of universities in shaping inclusive and sustainable societies.

Ambassador Fernandez shared the Philippines’ perspective on sustaining progress in women’s empowerment, emphasizing the importance of strong institutional commitments and international partnerships in ensuring that gender equality remains integral to development and sustainability agendas. The Ambassador’s intervention reflected the Philippines’ longstanding engagement in multilateral efforts that place women’s leadership at the center of national progress and global peacebuilding. Ambassador Fernandez also noted the Philippines’ continued advocacy for women’s leadership in global decision-making, echoing the priorities articulated by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in recent international engagements in the United Nations on women’s empowerment and the role of women in building sustainable peace and inclusive growth.

The forum was also attended by the Republic of Korea’s First Lady Kim Hea Kyung, an alumna of Sookmyung University, who highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for women and ensuring inclusive participation in education and in the digital transformation shaping the global economy.

The Philippine Embassy’s participation in the forum underscores its continued leadership in advancing women’s rights discussions in the Republic of Korea and fostering partnerships with academic institutions and the diplomatic community to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. END