Pasay City, Philippines — The 13th Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2025 united over 33,600 youth changemakers from schools, organizations, and communities across the Philippines—both onsite and online—at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Held in partnership between the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, and supported by Bless Microfinance Corporation, this year’s summit continued its legacy as a premier platform for youth empowerment, advocacy, and collaboration around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Featuring powerful keynote speeches and high-energy performances, the summit inspired young leaders to commit to meaningful action on issues such as climate change, education, innovation, mental health, and youth participation.
Notable speakers included Jessica Sy, Winwyn Marquez, Teacher Georcelle, Edward Barber, and Jessica Soho, each sharing personal insights and motivational stories on leadership, creativity, and creating positive impact. Performances by Matthew Ifield, NU Dance Company, Over October, and Hori7on energized the crowd and celebrated the creativity and passion of the Filipino youth.
“The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the force for change today. Through the Global Youth Summit, we aim to give them the tools, inspiration, and community to turn their vision into reality,” said Royston Cabunag, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth.
“Collaboration across sectors is key to unlocking the potential of the next generation. The Global Youth Summit is proof of what can happen when we come together for a shared purpose,” added Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines.
He further emphasized, “At Global Peace Foundation, we are deeply committed to fostering youth development that is anchored not only in innovation but also in moral leadership—empowering young people to become ethical changemakers who drive positive and sustainable transformation in their communities and beyond.”
Support for the One Korea Global Campaign
As part of GPF’s broader peacebuilding mission, an activation booth for the One Korea Global Campaign was also set up during the summit. The booth raised awareness about the ongoing efforts for peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula and highlighted the global significance of youth-led peace movements. Attendees engaged in interactive displays, signed peace pledges, and learned about how they can contribute to building a unified and peaceful Korea, reflecting the campaign’s core belief that “One Dream, One Korea” begins with informed and committed youth.
17 Locations, 17 SDGs
This year’s GYS at MOA Arena served as the national kickoff for a larger, countrywide movement. A total of 17 provincial legs will be held in 17 SM Malls, symbolically representing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. These regional summits aim to localize the impact, empowering more Filipino youth to implement projects in their own communities.
Following the Manila launch, regional events have already begun across the country:
- August 8, 2025: SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM City Bacolod, SM City Puerto Princesa
- August 22, 2025: SM City Bataan, SM Center Pulilan, SM Center Dagupan, SM City San Lazaro
- August 29, 2025: SM CDO Downtown, SM City Butuan, SM Lanang, SM City General Santos
- September 5, 2025: SM City Bacoor, SM City San Pablo, SM City Sto. Tomas, SM Southmall
Each leg features youth-led solution pitches, partner activations, and interactive sessions designed to develop real, community-based projects aligned with key SDGs.
With its national reach and commitment to action, the 13th Global Youth Summit stands as a testament to Filipino youth’s potential to become catalysts for peace, innovation, and sustainable development—locally and globally.
