Mr Araune during the Asia–Europe Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Paolo B Araune, Assistant Professor of Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan and Deputy Director of the Kinaadman University Research Office (KURO), has been selected as a Philippine delegate to the Asia–Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy, a highly competitive international program organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
Out of more than 2,300 applicants from Asia and Europe, Araune was chosen based on his strong professional background, demonstrated motivation, and potential to contribute to the program’s goal of fostering a diverse and globally engaged community of young professionals working at the intersection of science, technology, and international relations.
The program was conducted in two phases from October to December 2025, bringing together emerging leaders from academia, government, and civil society across Asia and Europe. Araune first joined approximately 100 young professionals in a seven-week online training program from 23 October to 4 December 2025, which featured expert-led webinars and interactive workshops designed to strengthen practical skills in science diplomacy, policy engagement, and cross-regional collaboration, while fostering meaningful professional networks across continents.
From this initial cohort, only around 30 participants were selected to take part in the on-site Asia–Europe Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy, held from 15 to 18 December 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The summit emphasized people-to-people dialogue, collaborative workshops, and peer learning, and was held alongside the Second European Science Diplomacy Conference under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Araune with fellow Asia–Europe youth professionals and ASEF organizers representing 29 different countries across Asia and Europe.
As KURO Deputy Director, Araune’s participation underscored Xavier Ateneo’s growing engagement in international research governance, science policy, and global academic collaboration. His involvement contributed Philippine and Southeast Asian perspectives to discussions on ethical governance, institutional trust, and the role of universities in advancing responsible and inclusive science and technology diplomacy.
“This experience reinforced the critical role of universities in shaping ethical, transparent, and inclusive science diplomacy,” Araune shared. “It is an honor to represent both Xavier Ateneo and the Philippines in a space where science, policy, and international cooperation converge.”
Araune participating in the 2nd European Science Diplomacy Conference, held in Copenhagen Business School, Denmark.
The program was organized by the Asia–Europe Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Central European Scientific Society of Innovation and Technology, with support from the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability of UCSI University, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, the International Network for Governmental Science Advice – Asia, and the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific.
Araune’s selection highlights Xavier Ateneo’s commitment to research excellence, global engagement, and leadership formation, in line with the University’s mission to contribute meaningfully to both national development and international dialogue.