Melanie Jimenez, News, Communication Management Office
Sharona Nicole Semilla, a journalism student from the College of Communication, has been selected as a delegate for the Japan International Youth Innovation Summit 2024. The summit, scheduled to be held from April 17 to 19 in Tokyo, Japan, is renowned for bringing together young minds from across the globe to foster innovation, collaboration, and positive change.
Semilla’s essay, which highlighted her passion for journalism and commitment to addressing global issues, resonated strongly with the selection committee. Her advocacy for press freedom and her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices impressed the judges, earning her a spot among the summit’s distinguished delegates.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to participate in the Japan International Youth Innovation Summit,” says Semilla. “This opportunity represents not only a personal milestone but also a chance to represent my country and my field of study on the global stage.”
In addition to her essay, Semilla’s extensive student leadership experiences played a pivotal role in her selection. As the Acting Managing Editor of The Communicator in 2023 and Vice President for Internal Affairs of the PUP Journalism Guild from 2023 to 2024, Semilla demonstrated a passion for driving positive change within her community.
“I believe that my experiences in student leadership have equipped me with the skills and mindset necessary to contribute meaningfully to the summit,” Semilla explains. “I am eager to collaborate with fellow delegates and explore innovative solutions to the pressing challenges facing our world today.”
Beyond leadership roles, she was also recognized as one of the Merit awardees for the 2022 ASEAN-Korea Academic Essay Contest.
Through her participation in the summit, she hopes to gain deeper insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the dialogue surrounding their implementation and impact.
“Journalism is not just about reporting the news; it’s about giving a voice to the voiceless and fostering empathy and understanding,” Semilla said in an interview.
“I believe that by engaging with fellow delegates and sharing our diverse perspectives, we can cultivate a greater sense of global solidarity and drive positive change.” she added.
According to Semilla, delegates must also attend to a series online workshops prior to the Tokyo Summit.
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