Manila, Philippines — The Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2024, co-organized by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation, was a transformative experience for Filipino youth, bringing together more than 12 thousand young leaders from across the nation to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges. Held in 17 key locations across the Philippines, this year’s summit provided an extraordinary platform for innovation, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership, all aimed at advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This event encompassed a variety of activities designed to tackle global concerns in areas such as technology, health, education, and sustainable development. The summit’s primary objective was to build a network of empowered Youth Leaders committed to promoting moral and innovative leadership, sustainable development, and cross-cultural understanding, exemplified through the highly anticipated Seed Grant Competition, which encouraged participants to propose and implement solutions aligned with the SDGs.

The Global Youth Summit 2024 toured 17 cities in the Philippines.

“We can build a nation where all humanity can benefit,” stated Mr. Ingill Ra, Regional President of GPF Asia Pacific, underscoring the summit’s broader vision of global impact and collaboration.
In an innovative approach, GYS 2024 took place simultaneously in 17 locations across the country, with each site focusing on a specific SDG. This structure ensured that discussions and activities were tailored to the unique challenges of each location and guaranteed that youth from every region had the opportunity to contribute their voices to the global conversation.

“As we act together, we are stronger. Together, let us continue to prove that we young people can!” remarked Mr. Leonard Faustino of GPF Philippines, emphasizing the collective power and potential of youth in driving change.
The summit was more than just an event, it became a movement that empowered young people to actively engage in creating a sustainable future. The program was meticulously designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to build a better world. Interactive sessions, including Q&A segments after each speaker’s presentation and the much anticipated #GYSTakeaways, allowed participants to delve deeper into the issues at hand and explore practical solutions.

The Global Youth Summit 2024 toured 17 cities in the Philippines.

“We can all be catalysts for actionable change so that we can create something that is not just really beautiful but fair,” shared Mr. Royston A. Cabuñag, Assistant Vice President of Mall Operations and SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth, reinforcing the idea that fairness and equity are central to sustainable development.

Cultural performances kicked off each summit location, highlighting the rich heritage of the Philippines and fostering a sense of cultural competency among participants. This celebration of local culture served as a vibrant opening for the discussions that followed.

“The big dream is to positively impact billions of people; help, inspire, and transform lives of people in our country, and in God’s plan, globally,” said Ms. Marie Beatrice Mendoza, President and CEO of Bless Microfinance Corporation, reflecting on the summit’s long-term aspirations for global impact.

The Global Youth Summit 2024 toured 17 cities in the Philippines.

Attendees included members of accredited youth organizations from local government units, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, student council officers from state colleges and universities, and active youth advocates from various organizations. These participants represented a diverse cross-section of the nation’s youth, all united by a shared commitment to sustainable development.

The success of #GYS2024 was significantly supported by the dedicated volunteers from the Global Peace Leadership Corps, who played a pivotal role in the event. Many were returning from previous summits, while others were new to the experience. Their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm were essential to achieving the summit’s mission of empowering youth leadership.

With its strategic alignment with the UN SDGs and its expansive reach across the Philippines, the Global Youth Summit 2024 stood as a critical platform for young people to engage with and contribute to solutions for global challenges. This summit marked a significant step forward in empowering the youth to take the lead in creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Visayas Leg Locations:

• Iloilo City
• Bacolod City
• Cebu City

Southern Luzon Locations:

• Legazpi City
• Sorsogon City
• Santa Rosa City, Laguna
• Tanza, Cavite
• Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Mindanao Leg Locations:

• Cagayan De Oro
• General Santos City
• Lanang, Davao City
• Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
• Zamboanga City
• Maguindanao Del Sur

Central and Northern Luzon Locations:

• Olongapo City, Zambales
• Baguio City
• Pampanga

The Global Youth Summit 2024 was not just a gathering, it was the beginning of a movement, setting the stage for the youth to be at the forefront of building a sustainable future.