Up to 100 delegates from Asia, Europe, and the United States gather in Cebu City, Philippines for a summit on permaculture education, which is part of an environmental action campaign.

The summit on January 24, 2026 is organized by the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), a global women’s organization, and Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT-U). It will take place at the main campus of CIT-U.

Among the 100 participants is an international delegation of 18 leaders led by Merly Barlaan, UN Relations Offices director for WFWPI.

According to organizers, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival; Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro; and Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Regional Director Jennifer Bretana are set to give keynote messages.

From the Philippines, permaculture expert and businessman Joel Lee, and Engr. Roberto Bajenting, are among the speakers. From the Kingdom of Spain, Senator Maria Arenales Serrano Arguello and Senator (ret.) Maria del Carmen Quintanilla Barba are slated to speak.

THRUST

Organizers said the summit aims to mainstream permaculture education as a practical, scalable approach to transforming food systems, strengthening food security, and empowering women and communities, in alignment with UN General Assembly Resolution 76/300 (the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment).

Permaculture is a regenerative and sustainable technology to heal soil and water from degradation, pollution, and erosion. It has been initiated by different environmental groups worldwide without institutional support from governments.

Through education, demonstration, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, WFWPI helps to institutionalize permaculture within higher education and local governance mechanisms —supporting climate action, sustainable agriculture, and resilient livelihoods, organizers said.

The summit, which is part of the Permaculture Immersion Adventure in Cebu and neighboring Bohol, is also the localization of sustainable development goal 3 on Health and Well-being, SDG 4 Education, and SDG 13 Climate Action.

ORGANIZERS

WFWPI is a global women’s organization with General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), advancing women’s leadership in peacebuilding, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship.

CIT-U is a university in Cebu with strong academic programs in engineering and architecture, and a growing commitment to sustainability and innovation.