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11 August 2025
His Excellency Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines, visited De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on July 15, 2025, to speak with students about the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. The lecture was part of the Ambassadors’ Lecture Series organized by the School of Diplomacy and Governance.
Students from the Diplomacy and International Affairs, Governance and Public Affairs, and Tourism Management programs attended the session. The event gave them a rare opportunity to hear directly from a senior diplomat about current global issues that connect with their academic training. His Excellency discussed Denmark’s support for international law, its role in maritime cooperation, and its growing partnership with the Philippines in areas such as energy, defense, and digitalization.
For students preparing for careers in diplomacy, public policy, international service, and tourism, the lecture offered practical insights into how countries navigate complex regional challenges. It also reminded students why diplomacy, teamwork between nations, and careful planning matter, the ideas they regularly study in their respective programs. His Excellency encouraged students to stay engaged with global affairs and to see diplomacy not just as a profession, but as a way to contribute to national development and international understanding.
The session also welcomed students from the Tourism Management program, whose interests aligned with the ambassador’s emphasis on cultural exchange and responsible international relations. By connecting geopolitical issues with sustainable tourism and youth engagement, the lecture emphasized how global diplomacy intersects with everyday practices in hospitality and travel.
The visit continues Benilde’s commitment to bringing global perspectives into the classroom. Earlier this year, the lecture series featured His Excellency Datu Abdul Malik Melvin Castellino Anthony, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, and Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines. Both spoke at the 26th Benilde Model United Nations and encouraged students to pursue diplomacy and cooperation in a changing world.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
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