More than 15,000 student leaders from secondary and collegiate institutions across Luzon gathered at the SM Mall of Asia Arena yesterday, August 27, for the Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2024. Organized by the Global Peace Foundation Philippines in collaboration with SM Cares, the event ran from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, focusing on equipping the youth to address critical societal issues aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event is the last stop for this year’s series of summits, which came from 17 places in the country, from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Pasay City National Science High School sent a delegation of 15 students, reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing future leaders.
The Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) organization was represented by Elyzza Marie Esteban, Shanellie Monique Dantes, and Deanne Laura Guillarte. The Quantum’s correspondents included Travis-Jan Barroga, Xyrel James Canonoy, and Neil Josh Icaro. The Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) delegation featured Sofia Michiko Yamamoto, Ayesha Ehris Bernadette Salazar, Filha Ray Penelope Bautista, Emmanuel Nepomuceno, and Remmy Parcia. Lastly, the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) sent Given Madrid, Marian Tamayo, Samantha Nicole Tandingan, Pauline Sy, and Kate Ashley Flores. The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Joanna Marie Luciano, SSLG Adviser.
The summit opened with a session on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, where AirAsia Spokesperson Steve Dailisan delivered a compelling talk titled “Building A Future of Work with Youth Participation in Emerging Industries.” Dailisan emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping the future of work within emerging sectors.
Next, TikTok Educational Content Creator Lyqa Maravilla, known as “Coach Lyqa,” took the stage to discuss SDG 4: Quality Education. Her presentation, “Soft Skills Education: Education for Future Success,” highlighted the importance of soft skills in preparing the youth for the evolving demands of the global workforce.
Following Maravilla, Ingill Ra led a session on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. In her talk, “From Vision to Action: Engaging Youth in Global Partnerships for Sustainable Change,” Ra underscored the significance of youth involvement in global efforts towards sustainable development.
Food Influencer Abi Marquez, famously recognized as the “Lumpia Queen,” then focused on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Her presentation, “Harnessing Youth Creativity and Digital Innovation to Drive Industry Change,” showcased how the younger generation can lead transformative changes through innovation and technology.
The summit concluded with a powerful keynote by Television Personality and International Fashion Icon Heart Evangelista on SDG 15: Life on Land. Titled “From Cruelty to Kindness: Building A World Without Animal Suffering,” Evangelista passionately advocated for animal welfare and a kinder, more compassionate world.
The event was further enlivened by special performances from Maki, Hori7on, and the National University Dance Company, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to contribute to sustainable change in their communities and beyond.
Elyzza Marie Esteban, BKD President, shared her thoughts on the event: “Being part of the Global Youth Summit is also being part of history. Today marks the 18th and final stop of the Global Youth Summit, and participating in such an event was truly fulfilling… My highlight of the event, apart from the fantastic performances, was the talk by Ms. Abi Marquez… As a content creator myself, I once again realized the importance of social media as part of daily life and its ability to make an impact on the lives of those who use it…”
