The annual Pilipinas Conference, organized by the Stratbase Group as it celebrates its 20^th year, stands as a vital platform for igniting new ideas and facilitating critical discussions on the pressing issues facing Philippine society. Now in its ninth year, Pilipinas Conference 2024 aims to advance multi-sectoral collaboration to shape policies that address the complex social, political, and economic challenges impacting the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region. 

As the country approaches its midterm elections in May 2025, geopolitical and geoeconomic developments continue to ripple across the Philippines and other global economies, creating a domino effect that demands urgent and cohesive integration of expertise and resources. Stratbase Institute’s comprehensive programs address critical aspects of the Philippines’ role in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on economic integration, national security, good governance, and sustainable development.  

Stratbase’s Philippine Strategic Initiatives involve enhancing partnerships with key stakeholders from government, business councils and chambers of commerce, the diplomatic community, and civil society. These initiatives aim to achieve the following: (1) strengthen economic integration in the Indo-Pacific and the economic relations of the Philippines with allied nations; (2) raise awareness about security issues in the West Philippine Sea and contribute to the discourse on maritime security, gray zone operations, and other critical geopolitical developments in the region; (3) promote collaborative governance and a whole-of-society approach in interweaving all-sectoral efforts with economic recovery and development, anchored on the core democratic values of transparency and accountability, responsive public service, and the rule of law; and (4) drive sustainable development amid the risks brought about by climate change by promoting clean energy, conserving natural resources, and protecting the environment over the long term.  

Against this backdrop, the two-day conference aimed to strengthen cooperation, develop strategic realignment, and provide a platform for leaders from the government, business sector, diplomatic community, think tanks, and civil society organizations to navigate the geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges facing the Philippines in 2025 and beyond. 

With the theme “Navigating a Complex Geostrategic Landscape: Building Resilience Through Cohesive Cross-Sectoral Collaboration in 2025,” this year’s Pilipinas Conference was held on November 6-7, 2024, at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City and live-streamed via Zoom.  

The first day of the conference focused on the confluence of asymmetric security challenges and their impact on the collective security of the Indo-Pacific and adherence to the rules-based international order. The Philippines faces risks and opportunities in various areas, including aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea and proliferating cybersecurity threats like disinformation campaigns. In response, the Marcos Jr. administration has employed minilateral and multilateral approaches to strengthen and expand cooperation with like-minded partners. 

On the second day, the focus shifted to strategic initiatives necessary for fostering a robust economy and resilient society through the creation of green and high-quality jobs. Since 2022, the Marcos Jr. administration has implemented an 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda aimed at mitigating external risks and steering the economy back to a high-growth trajectory. This agenda prioritized investments in sustainable infrastructure, critical minerals, and clean energy, positioning the Philippines as a key player in the global supply chain. 

Stratbase is committed to sustaining its unique role in facilitating these essential dialogues, ensuring that all sectors of society are represented and engaged in shaping the nation’s future. The path forward must integrate the collective insights of all stakeholders, driven by a shared vision of raising the Philippines’ standing in the global economy and enhancing the quality of life for every Filipino.  

The 2024 Pilipinas Conference is more than just an event; it is a call to action for all who are invested in the country’s future. Together, we can chart a course that secures the Philippines’ rightful place on the world stage.