PH Embassy Hosts Conversation between First Filipino Nobel Laureate and Women Ambassadors in Chile on Female Leadership and Empowerment
Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa converses with women ambassadors on leadership and empowerment in Santiago, Chile.
SANTIAGO 13 May 2024 – As part of its continuing gender and development initiatives, the Philippine Embassy in Santiago hosted an intimate conversation with renowned journalist and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa entitled Courage, Resilience, and Grace under Pressure: Notes of Experience on Female Leadership and Empowerment in Santiago, Chile on 03 May 2024.
The activity, attended by women ambassadors in Chile, shared insights on building one’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Maria Ressa drew on her experience as a journalist and highlighted the crucial role of diplomats in promoting international cooperation to protect the rights of women against gender-targeted disinformation and online violence. She said, “the UN is the place to restore trust and find multilateral solutions,” particularly in upholding transparency and promoting information integrity in the responsible use of technology.
Maria Ressa encouraged the women ambassadors present to “find your community”, stressing the value of forging partnerships, and “embracing your fears” during challenging times.
Maria Ressa co-founded Rappler, a digital only news site in the Philippines, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Dmitry Murato in 2021.
She was a resource speaker at the 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference hosted by the Government of Chile and UNESCO last 2-4 May 2024 in Santiago. Gabriel Boric, President of Chile and Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke in person at the event’s opening ceremony, while UN Secretary General António Guterres delivered a pre-recorded speech at the event. END
Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat presents a token of appreciation to Maria Ressa.
For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.