CEU Dentistry Student Leader Represents PH in APEC Voices of the Future

Centro Escolar University School of Dentistry student Raiza Kiana Tiwan was one of the three youth delegates who represented the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Voices of the Future (VOF) forum held in Thailand with the theme “OPEN, CONNECT, and BALANCE” in November 2022.

During one of the sessions, the 4th year Dentistry student delivered a speech highlighting how the youth’s organizing practices, such as non-formal education and cross-sectoral collaboration, greatly enhance students’ sense of global citizenship, a feeling of belonging to a broader community, and their ability to act in ways that increase awareness of food security, financial inclusivity, and sustainability in society. She was also featured at Project Larawan by Mr. Gabriel Malvar, an internationally-awarded Producer/ Director of film documentaries featuring human interest stories and destinations.

“Besides the drafting sessions, workshops, and presentations, we were able to experience Thailand’s rich culture. We learned their traditional dance, crafted an elephant keychain, and visited some of their remarkable organizations and sites,” shared Tiwan.

For two consecutive years, Raiza Kiana was able to join this global summit through the kind support of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Philippines.

And in 2021, the event was held via Zoom and was hosted by New Zealand—Tiwan attended as the head delegate of the VOF PH where she had the privilege to provide a Philippine standpoint to the Youth Declaration, which was created through the collaborative efforts and voices of the young delegates from all throughout the APEC region.

“You are never too young to change the world. From one small action of an aspiring young citizen with the involvement of like-minded others, when put together, can change this world. May we all take part in the process of change without having to perform large-scale acts of heroism,” said Tiwan.