By Gabriela Baron
Filipino scientist Glenn Banaguas has been inducted into the prestigious Royal Society of Art (RSA), becoming the first science diplomat from the country to become a fellow of the organization.
Former RSA fellows included anti-apartheid and former South African President Nelson Mandela, chemist Marie Curie, and astrophysicist Stephen Hawking.
“My heart is filled with gratefulness for this gift. I am deeply humbled to walk in the shadow of such great minds,” Banguas said.
“I hope to be able to contribute even just a fraction of what they have given to the world,” he added.
He said he hopes the recognition will be able to bring an “atmosphere of positivity” and “create the power of compassion among nations.”
The RSA, also known as the Royal Society for the Encouragements of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, was founded by English social reformist and inventor William Shipley in 1847.
Banaguas is a distinguished scientist and science diplomat. He is also one of Asia’s leading experts in environment, climate change, and disaster risk.
He chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Fellows for Science and Technology and the Climate Diplomat of the European Union (EU)-Asia Expert Panel for Climate Diplomacy and Environment Security.
Banaguas is also the first Filipino recipient of the United Nations (UN) Sasakawa Laureate for Disaster Risk Reduction.