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

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.

The Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena was filled with youthful energy as the 12th Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2024 wrapped up its nationwide tour. Over 24,000 young sustainability champions came together to be inspired and empowered to make the world a better place.

GYS 2024 was organized by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) with the goal of providing young leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to address pressing global issues. The summit traveled through 17 provinces of the Philippines, culminating in a grand finale at the iconic MOA Arena. The summit was intended to empower young leaders to address critical issues in accordance with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event featured an inspiring lineup of 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, fueling their desire for social change. GYS 2024, organized by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), aimed to provide young leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing global issues. The summit traveled through 17 provinces of the Philippines, culminating in a grand finale at the iconic MOA Arena. The summit was designed to empower young leaders to address critical issues that align with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

(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

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 enhance the experience, the summit featured thrilling performances by the South Korean-based Filipino boyband HORI7ON, singer-songwriter Maki, and the National University (NU) Dance Company. These performances created a lively and energetic atmosphere at the event.

All-Filipino K-Pop group HORI7ON

Rising Filipino artist Maki

National University (NU) Dance Company

Five young leaders received seed grants totaling P250,000 to bring their sustainability projects to fruition, demonstrating the summit's commitment to nurturing innovation. This initiative empowers the next generation to be positive change agents.

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 impression on the young participants and inspiring them to become active agents of change. Given the world's unprecedented challenges, the summit's emphasis on sustainability and youth empowerment is more important than ever.