HIS INVOLVEMENT in interreligious work with youth networks in Asia and the Pacific led Renz Argao, a faculty member of the University’s psychology department, to becoming the new chairman of the International Youth Committee (IYC) of Religions for Peace (RfP).
Argao was elected chairman during the 10th World Assembly of RfP in Lindau, Germany from Aug. 20 to 23.
He said his involvement in RfP started when he participated in “Counseling for Peace,” a psychosocial program of UST Graduate school for communities affected by the armed conflicts Mindanao.
“What I bring in RfP is my experience and expertise in psychology that allows me to work on the areas and advocacies related to my fields,” he told the Varsitarian.
“We plan to strengthen our global network of youth leaders both by building their capacities towards common actions, and by developing ways for us to actually start working together,” he said.
Argao is the second Filipino and Thomasian to be part of the world council, following Prof. Lilian Sison, director of the Office of International Relations and Programs,
Argao will lead the committee until the next World Assembly, which will take place in five to seven years.
International Youth Committee of Religions for Peace is the world’s largest multi-religious coalition that aims to “transform violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious societies, and protect the earth.”
