Diverse Participation Across Continents
The school welcomed a vibrant group of young participants from Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Hong Kong/China, the United States, and Nepal. A total of 27 participants attended, including 17 female, 7 male and 3 LGBTQIA+. Mid-program, additional lecturers and participants joined from Belgium, Morocco, India, Spain and Japan. Experts and activists from the Netherlands, France, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Hong Kong/China also played key roles in the educational sessions. Including the 16 lecturers and 4 support staffs, the 13th ARS involved 47 individuals.
Purpose and Focus
As in previous years, the ARS served as a platform for theoretical engagement, knowledge-sharing, and solidarity-building among social justice activists across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The curriculum was structured into three major components:
1. Understanding the global and Asian context,
2. Exploring challenges faced by progressive movements, and
3. Discussing forms of organizing for transformative change.
This year, special emphasis was given to the oppression of gender and sexual minorities, responding to recommendations from the 12th ARS.
Public Event and Community Exposure
A major highlight was the public forum on Debt and Migration, hosted at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. Participants from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan shared their insights in a powerful dialogue with local political and social movements. The forum examined the impacts of international financial institutions and national debt systems, while also exploring grassroots alternatives and strategies for solidarity.
Participants also took part in the Community of Struggles Exposure, visiting two self-organized urban poor communities in Tondo, Manila, showcasing local resilience and mutual aid systems. Additionally, they stood in solidarity with Metrowear (a Lululemon subsidiary) workers in Cebu’s economic zone during the Global Day of Action, who were being unjustly expelled from their jobs.
Before the school ended, Israel has unilaterally attacked Iran. Joining the international community,. the group released a collective statement condemning the military aggression and standing in solidarity with the Iranian people and all of those who resist US-Israel expansionism and all authoritarian regimes.
Cultural Exchange and Daily Life at ARS
Beyond lectures and forums, participants shared reports on their organizations' contexts and struggles during evening sessions. Some delighted others by serving traditional dishes and wearing national attire, enriching the cultural dimension of the school. Karaoke nights became a fun and refreshing continuation of the day's learning and exchange.
Challenges and Acknowledgments
Due to national circumstances, full-time participation from India, Sri Lanka, and West Papua was not possible this year. Despite these absences, the school remained a dynamic space thanks to the dedication of committed partners at the international, regional, and local levels.
Organizing the ARS was no easy feat. Gaps in preparation—logistical, technical, and financial—surfaced, requiring immediate support. Special thanks go to the ecosocialist villages in southern Philippines for providing organic food and spices, and to all partner organizations who went the extra mile to ensure the school’s continuity. A heartfelt appreciation also goes to the hardworking kitchen team for their nutritious and delicious meals.
Looking Ahead
Since 2009, IIRE-Manila has been steadfast in its mission to help unify the progressive and radical Left in Asia—committed to feminism, anti-fascism, anti-racism, ecosocialism, and emancipation. As discussions continue, participants of the 13th ARS proposed launching a regional conference on Ecosocialism, signaling deeper collaboration ahead.
Inside and outside the conference hall, the ARS was a lively, enriching experience. Neither age nor language barriers hindered the informal and formal exchanges that made this year’s school deeply meaningful.
We look forward to expanding our network in the coming years and welcoming more organizations and countries to future ARS editions.
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