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Reykjavik, Iceland—24-26 April 2025 — ENFiD-Austria proudly participated in the 11th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD), held at Hotel Ísland in Reykjavik. Representing Austria were ENFiD-Austria Chairperson Maria Zelda Rojas and ENFiD Board Director Sarah Jozelle Rojas, who contributed actively to the conference themed “The Filipino Diaspora: Eco Warriors of the World.”
The 2025 AGA convened delegates from ENFiD member countries across Europe—Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—along with special guests from Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States. The assembly reaffirmed the collective commitment of the global Filipino community to environmental advocacy, sustainability, and diaspora engagement.
Before the official sessions, the ENFiD Board and Advisers, including the Austrian delegates, were received by Her Excellency Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, in a formal courtesy call. The meeting underscored shared values in cultural exchange, women’s empowerment, and the importance of migrant contributions to host societies.
The conference program featured a comprehensive ENFiD Narrative Report delivered by ENFiD Chairperson Marison Rodriguez, interactive sessions, and the screening of video entries for ENFiD for Reel: “Proud Pinoy, Citizen of the World.” Delegates also took part in breakout discussions to draft each country’s Eco-Warrior Pledge collaboratively, articulating national and regional commitments to environmental stewardship.
The keynote presentation on “Migration and the environment” was delivered by Professor Patrick Clairzier, professor of American law and environmental law at CY Cergy Paris Université and the American Graduate School in Paris, with research centered on international political economy and sustainable development.
A special presentation on “When climate change melts your relationship” was delivered by Ms. Ragnheiður Bjarman Eiriksdóttir, adjunct at the University of Iceland, psychiatric nurse, reproductive health specialist, and knitting designer.
AGA participants were inspired by the virtual messages of congratulations sent by His Excellency Mr. Teodoro Lopez Locsin, Jr. (UK) and His Excellency Mr. Eduardo MENEZ (Czech Republic).
The assembly concluded with a Gala Night at FI Salurinn, which also served as the 60th birthday celebration of Evelyn Tagalog of ENFiD-Iceland, who generously sponsored the event. The evening showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino diaspora through music, dance, and tributes, highlighting the enduring spirit of Bayanihan and unity across borders.
A key moment during the Gala Night was the presentation of the European Diaspora Impact Awards, conferred by a selection committee comprising Christian Estrada (UK), Crystal Dias (UK), and Maria Zelda Rojas (Austria). The 2025 honorees were Ester Beatty (Cyprus), Dr. Unnur Dis Skaptadottir (Iceland), and Edwin Dela Cruz (United Kingdom)—recognized for their outstanding contributions to community development and sustainability. This award, initiated by Mr. Estrada during his term as ENFiD Chairperson, was first presented at the 2024 ENFiD AGA at the United Nations in Vienna.
The ceremonial handover to Switzerland, host of the 2026 AGA, formally concluded the event.
On the final day, ENFiD-Austria delegates joined the Golden Circle excursion, visiting Iceland’s iconic natural sites, including Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, Laugarvatn Fontana, and Þingvellir National Park—a fitting culmination to an assembly grounded in environmental consciousness.
ENFiD-Austria remains deeply committed to promoting Filipino values, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration throughout Europe. Its continued presence and active participation in the ENFiD network reflect its leadership role in shaping a more empowered and globally engaged Filipino diaspora.
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Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a board member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria), and a current ENFiD adviser. She is also the 1st Vice President of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) and a Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) member. Founding member and former president of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), adviser and former president of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), liaison for the Philippines and councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).
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