The Adenauer Security Experts Network Philippines (SeEN PH) is a flagship program of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines Office launched as part of its 60th year anniversary.
By fostering a collaborative network of fellows and experts, SeEN PH aspires to enrich scholarly discourse and strengthen the country’s capabilities to tackle the growing complexities within an evolving global security landscape. The program will adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to the study and practice of security, covering both traditional and non-traditional security and how these challenges are connected to governance.
SeEN PH 2025
Germany and the Philippines enjoy one of the longest and most well-established formal defense partnerships in the history of Philippine diplomatic relations. A series of high-level exchanges in Manila and Berlin, held as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, contributed to a deepening of the alliance and culminating in plans to secure a broader defense deal covering military training, weapons procurement, as well as maritime and cyber cooperation.
In light of this development, the Adenauer Security Experts Network Philippines (SeEN PH) Program of KAS Philippines will host a series of roundtable discussions taking a closer look on the key facets of the Germany-Philippines defense cooperation. The discussions are by-invitation only and will observe Chatham House Rules.
Bytes and Borders: A Discussion on Germany-Philippines Cyber Defense Cooperation
January 15, 2025 | KAS Philippines Office, Makati City
The first session focused on Germany-Philippines cyber defense cooperation, explored how cyberspace has emerged as a critical domain for strategic cooperation, elaborated on why the partnership between the Philippines and Germany is both necessary and important, and identified the gaps and other factors that should be considered moving forward.
SeEN PH 2024
For its inaugural offering, SeEN PH aimed to cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders in the Philippine security policy and security studies sector. In this regard, two (2) outstanding security fellows received invaluable training and guidance from esteemed experts on the field of security and security studies, access to unique networking opportunities with key stakeholders and the broader KAS network, and a meaningful platform to advocate for their security initiatives under the SeEN PH program.
By the program’s conclusion, the fellows successfully published their security policy briefs as part of KAS Philippines’ Security Blueprint series.
2024 Fellows
1. Johnson Badawi – Peace Programme Officer, British Embassy Manila
2. Jovanie C. Espesor – Professor, Mindanao State University-General Santos
Visiting Delegation from the KAS Working Group of Young Foreign Policy Experts
- Ferdinand Gehringer – Policy Advisor Cybersecurity, Division Analysis and Consulting, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.,Germany
- Juliana Süß – Research Fellow on Space Security, Military Sciences Team, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
- Vanessa Vohs - Researcher and Doctoral Candidate, University of the Bundeswehr Munich (Chair Prof. Dr. Carlo Masala)
