The Global Peace Summit (GPS) 2025, sponsored by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines, brought together over 40,000 young people nationwide to engage in meaningful dialogue, listen to keynote speakers, and participate in shared activities. Kicking off at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on August 3 and continuing throughout the month and into early September at the remaining 16 SMs, the young people created a collective force to drive positive change.

SM sponsored a press release highlighting GPS 2025, noting that each of the 17 SM locations focused on one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby giving equal attention to each goal. “By empowering more than 40,000 Filipino youth across regions, SM Cares and its partners reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and meaningful youth participation on a national scale.”

The power of youth as a driving force cannot be underestimated. Creating platforms that empower young people is crucial to their growth, learning, and development as moral and innovative leaders. As highlighted in the SM press release, GPF Philippines Executive Director Leonard Faustino emphasized, “Collaboration across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao has created one of the largest youth platforms in the country. This summit is proof that when given space and support, our youth can lead transformative change.”

Access the SM sponsored press release