The Ateneo de Zamboanga University through its Social Sciences Department of the School of Liberal Arts will host the 9th Mindanao International Studies Society (MISS) Convention from February 18-20, 2013 at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City, with the theme, “Understanding Multiculturalism and Engaged Citizenship” (UMEC). The 2013 convention seeks to improve the understanding of multiculturalism across several dimensions and provide an avenue for exposure to different initiatives and interventions in the locality, supported by organizations with international components. It also seeks to promote engagement and discourse with these organizations in the promotion of their advocacies. The two ideals espoused in the theme are intended to help prospective diplomats become more adept and empowered in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
The Mindanao International Studies Society (MISS) is an organization made up of International Studies (IS/IntS) and International Relations (IR) students from various schools in Mindanao. The MISS member-schools are Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Davao University, Liceo de Cagayan University, Al-Kwharizmi International College, Mindanao State University-Marawi, University of Southern Mindanao, and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. In addition, a number of guest schools have been active in the recent years including University of San Carlos from the Visayas.
The convention will feature keynote speeches from AdZU president and Jesuit Father Provincial Fr. Antonio F. Moreno SJ, assistant to the president on social development Fr. Albert E. Alejo SJ, Ms. Sandhya Gupta, an India-based consultant of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. Also included are Dr. Julius Bautista, senior lecturer at the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore and Ms. Bernardita I. Catalla, executive director of the Office of Asian Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, among others.
The event also coincides with the university’s year-long centennial celebration.
