PH Economist Dr. Gerardo Sicat Delivers the UN Association of Australia’s Inaugural Peace Address
Dr. Gerardo Sicat giving the inaugural Peace Address organized by the UN Association of Australia (UNAA) on 21 September 2017 designated by the UN as the International Day for Peace.
25 September 2017 SYDNEY – Renowned Filipino Economist Dr. Gerardo Sicat delivered the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) inaugural Peace Address on September 21 at Novotel Hotel in Sydney before members of the consular corps, the academe, UNAA officials and the Filipino-Australian community in New South Wales.
Dr. Sicat started teaching economics at the University of the Philippines in 1958, and finished his doctorate in Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1963. He was appointed Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) in 1970, became Director General of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in 1973, joined the World Bank as chief of the public economics group in 1985. He established the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
Ms. Zeny Edwards, UNAA Peace Program Convener, welcomed guests and thanked Dr. Sicat for accepting the invitation, highlighting the significance of the International Day for Peace as designated by the United Nations.
In his address, Dr. Sicat explored the relationship between peace and the economic factors by which countries prosper, arguing that economic growth leads to economic and social improvements, more democratic values and institutions which contribute to social cohesion. He said that states that pursue this direction tend to become good neighbors within the community of nations, drawing from history as well as recent developments. He also highlighted the opportunities presented by the ASEAN Economic Community.
Prior to his inaugural address for UNAA on 21 September 2017, Dr. Sicat also met with faculty members, students and guests of Western Sydney University on 20 September for an open forum on the same theme, the connection between peace and economic growth.
Consul Marford Angeles thanked Dr. Sicat for generously sharing his wisdom and expertise through UNAA Peace Address, and introduced him to leaders of the Filipino community including Ms. Serna Ladia, President of the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW), Blacktown City Councilor Jess Diaz and Campbelltown City Councilor Rey Manoto, among others. END
For more information, visit www.sydneypcg.dfa.gov.ph
Left photo: Dr. Gerardo Sicat (2nd from left) with Consul Marford Angeles (rightmost), Dr. Zeny Edwards (2nd from right) Convenor, UNAA Peace Program and Ms. Jean Marie Santos, UNAA Peace Program Director. Right photo: Dr. Sicat addresses faculty members and students at the University of Western Sydney Business School, in a lecture forum on peace and economic growth.