UDM Student Leaders Join Leadership and Capacity-Building Seminar: Building Capable Leaders for a Sustainable Future

Last September 6, 2025, student leaders from the Universidad de Manila (UDM) actively participated in a Leadership and Capacity-Building Seminar held at the UDM campus. The one-day program, themed “Building Capable Leaders for a Sustainable Future,” was organized through the initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) in partnership with UDM.

The seminar gathered aspiring leaders from various student organizations to enhance their leadership competencies, promote environmental stewardship, and foster a deeper sense of social responsibility. Through a series of interactive discussions and workshops, participants were encouraged to reflect on the qualities of transformative leadership rooted in compassion, integrity, and sustainability.

In his inspirational message, a student representative underscored the essence of servant leadership, stating:

“What makes a leader truly capable is not just their skills, knowledge, or accomplishments — it’s the heart. You can be trained to serve and lead effectively, but no one can teach you how to love what you do and genuinely care for the people you serve.”

The seminar emphasized that leadership is not solely about authority or achievement but about purpose-driven action that contributes to community development and environmental protection. It aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

By equipping young leaders with the right mindset and values, UDM and DENR-NCR continue to nurture a generation of change-makers committed to leading with empathy, sustainability, and accountability toward a better and greener Manila.