SM Cares, Global Peace Foundation empower youth at 12th Global Youth Summit

THE MALL of Asia (MOA) Arena was ablaze with youthful energy as the 12th Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2024 concluded its nationwide tour. In total, over 24,000 young sustainability champions gathered to be inspired and empowered to create a better world.

(L-R): SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth Royston Cabunag, actress and philanthropist Heart Evangelista, Bless Microfinance Corporation President Marie Beatrice Mendoza, and Global Peace Foundation Philippines Executive Director Leonard Faustino.

Organized by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), GYS 2024 aimed to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing global issues. The summit traversed 17 provinces in the Philippines, culminating in a grand finale at the iconic MOA Arena. The summit was designed to empower young leaders to address critical issues aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event featured a lineup of inspiring speakers, including renowned actress and philanthropist Heart Evangelista, GPF Asia Pacific Regional President Ingill Ra, commercial pilot and AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson Steve Dailisan, and content creators Abi Marquez (also known as ‘Lumpia Queen’) and Lyqa Maravilla, an online educational influencer. Their powerful messages resonated with the young audience, igniting their passion for social change.

Over 24,000 young sustainability champions in total unite at the 12th Global Youth Summit 2024 across 17 locations around the country, with the grand finale at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Global Peace Foundation Asia Pacific Regional President Ingill Ra.

Commercial pilot Steve Dailisan.

Content creator Abi Marquez, also known as ‘Lumpia Queen’.

Online educational influencer Lyqa Maravilla.

To further elevate the experience, the summit showcased exhilarating performances by the South Korea-based Filipino boyband HORI7ON, singer-songwriter Maki, and the National University (NU) Dance Company. These performances added a lively and energetic atmosphere to the event.

All-Filipino K-Pop group HORI7ON.

Rising Filipino artist Maki.

National University (NU) Dance Company.

As a testament to the summit’s commitment to nurturing innovation, five young leaders received seed grants worth P250,000 in total to bring their sustainability projects to life. This initiative empowers the next generation to become catalysts for positive change.

Five seed grant winners receive P250,000 to bring their ideas to life.

The Global Youth Summit 2024 was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the young participants and inspiring them to become active agents of change. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the summit’s focus on sustainability and youth empowerment is more crucial than ever. (PR)