23 March 2016 – The DFA Office of the United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City, and Barangay Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City, hosted the launch of the first Barangay Diplomacy / Model UN 2.0 last 16 and 18 March at Barangays Wack-Wack and San Antonio, respectively.

The initiative was supported by the UN Country Team (UNCT) – Philippines, the Diplomatic League (D-League), the Philippine Association of International Affairs students, the Corps of Diplomatic Volunteers (CDV), and Stout Risk Reduction Consultancy and Management Services, Inc.

This initiative is intended to familiarize both Barangay officials and students on the relevance of the development and humanitarian work of the UN both at the global and grass-roots levels, and to develop new and innovative partnerships. Participants were familiarized with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) led by the UN.  In turn the Barangays presented their own development and disaster management activities, highlighting their support of response, recovery and livelihood activities for Super typhoon Yolanda-affected Eastern Samar. 

Barangay Diplomacy was established to encourage and support fellow Barangays, to forge “twinning” relationships with overseas local authorities, and to partner with the DFA and UNCT.  UNIO Assistant Secretary Jesus Domingo stated that he will find such twinning partners for Barangays San Antonio and Wack Wack in New Zealand when he assumes his post as Ambassador in Wellington next month.  The two Barangays’ active role in support of their disaster-affected counterpart Barangays serve as the inspiration for Barangay Diplomacy, added Assistant Secretary Jesus R.S. Domingo of UNIO.

Model UN 2.0 is a platform to deepen the engagement of students with the UN system.  Current Model UNs have students simulate the role of diplomats at the UN General Assembly and other deliberative bodies, while Model UN 2.0 gives them a deeper role as liaison officers and coordinators between Barangays and the UNCT. 

The CDV and D-League, respectively coordinate Barangay Diplomacy and Model UN 2.0 in partnership with UNIO. Representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG), the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) also participated in the workshops. END