BELGIUM
BELGIUM
Deed of Donation Signing
07 November 2024 | Deed of Donation signed between the Philippine Embassy in Brussels and the University of Namur
Program Coordinators | Philippine Ambassador H.E. Jaime Victor B. Ledda and University of Namur Head of the Department of Artistic Strategies at Angewandte Dr. Bouchra Khalili, Univ. Lekt. Mag. Art Stephanie Misa, and Coordinator Felix [Maier] Seigl
The Philippines-Belgium Forum aims to deepen global appreciation of Filipino heritage across Belgium. The research focuses primarly on the 19th and 20th-century and supports exchange programs for scholars and students while fostering new collaborations in fields like children’s rights and space cooperation.
The initiative coincided with the 135th anniversary of Dr. José Rizal’s stay in Belgium and 80th Anniversary of the Philippines-Belgium Diplomatic Relations in 2024.
In June 2023, the University of Namur hosted the "International Conference on Exchanges Between Filipino and European Union-based Scholars," marking 40 years of research partnership. The event aimed to bolster academic networking and celebrate four decades of bilateral scientific collaboration.
In her video message, Senator Loren Legarda highlighted the conference's role in linking academic findings to governance. She emphasized that scholarly insights are essential for drafting "sound, systematic, and relevant policies" to address the Philippines' socio-economic needs and ensure community-focused legislation.
The conference showcased multidisciplinary research, ranging from tropical biodiversity and groundwater management to social media's role in disaster resilience. These presentations established a future roadmap for joint efforts in food security, space cooperation, and climate change between Filipino and Belgian academic institutions.
Photo Credits: The Philippine Embassy in Brussels
2023
Meeting between the Embassy and the Geology Department on collaborative research (29 August 2023)
Production of a thematic issue of a journal on “The 19th century Filipinos in Belgium” (stay of José Rizal (1861-1896) and other actors in Belgium)
Founded in 1831 by the Jesuits, the University of Namur has evolved from a small philosophy college into a vibrant international institution. Today, it hosts over 7,000 students from 63 nationalities, officially adopting its current name in 2013 to reflect its growing global presence.
Located in the heart of the Walloon capital, the university blends tradition with innovation. It offers diverse academic programs and cutting-edge research, all while maintaining a strong human dimension to prepare students for a successful, modern future.