On July 12, 2025, the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) faculty and students gathered at the Nursing Laboratory (NLAB) for an insightful academic forum titled “Decent Work, Employment, and Transcultural Nursing in an International Perspective.” The event brought forward essential conversations on global nursing practices, employment equity, and culturally competent care.

The program opened with Ms. Nasper P. Anod delivering the welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of equipping future nurses with an international outlook and a culturally sensitive approach to care. This was followed by Dr. Norenia T. Dao-ayen, who introduced the esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Prapaporn Maungkaew, a renowned expert in international nursing and transcultural healthcare.

In her talk, Dr. Maungkaew emphasized the evolving role of nurses in a multicultural world, discussing the challenges and opportunities of working across diverse cultural and healthcare contexts. She also tackled the importance of decent work and employment standards, drawing on global frameworks and examples that resonated with the aspirations of Filipino nurses.

An interactive session followed, where students and faculty engaged Dr. Maungkaew with thought-provoking questions, case reflections, and discussions on applying transcultural principles in local and global healthcare settings.

The program was skillfully moderated by Ms. Agnes Baniwas, who also served as the event’s emcee. The afternoon culminated with heartfelt closing remarks from Ms. Josiephine Minger, who expressed gratitude to all participants and underscored the relevance of global competency and decent work advocacy in shaping nursing leaders of tomorrow.

This learning event supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth—as the UC College of Nursing continues to champion global standards and inclusive growth in the field of health.