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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Third Year of Confab: Bridging Human Rights and Students’ Visions

2.4 Minutes
User
  Ysabel Sacramento
Confab 1

During the Confab, youth leaders deepened their understanding of human rights and explored ways to promote them through their proposed projects.

© FNF

In partnership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Philippines launched the third “Tertiary Students Leaders Confab on Human Rights” from October 20 to 23, 2025.

The event invited tertiary student leaders from various universities and colleges all over the region to submit their proposed human rights projects, and the accepted delegates were required to attend online seminars to familiarize themselves with concepts revolving around human rights.Through this event, aspiring students were motivated to express their ideas and planned initiatives in strengthening advocacy for human rights among their schools and community.

The four-day gathering was held at Hotel Oazis in Butuan City, with a total of 24 participants from the eight (8) shortlisted projects attending the event, alongside speakers, facilitators, organizers, and confab alumni. The event officially concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Almut Besold, FNF Philippines Country Director, Atty. Aurora Luanne R. Cembrano-Ramos, Regional Director, CHR Caraga, and Commissioner Beda A. Epres of the Commission on Human Rights.

Confab 2

Dr. Almut Besold opened the activity by emphasizing that consistent and committed leadership is essential to achieving one’s goals.

© FNF

Projects proposed by students from Saint Theresa College of Tandag, Inc., Saint Paul University of Surigao, and Philippine Normal University Mindanao were the top three placers of the third Confab on Human Rights event. Additionally, proposed projects by students from Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, Caraga School of Business, Inc., De La Salle John Bosco College, North Eastern Mindanao State University–Lianga Campus, and Northeastern Mindanao Colleges were the finalists for the event.

This third year of Confab on Human Rights emphasizes FNF Philippines’ enduring commitment in reinforcing human rights advocacy and inclusivity of ideas and ambition among the Filipino community.

Ysabel Sacramento is serving as an intern at FNF Philippines from October to December 2025.

Confab 3

Participants were given an opportunity to present their proposed projects to other youth leaders in the Caraga region. 

© FNF