SM CARES: Empowering the youth through leadership

SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation launched the Global Youth Summit 2023, which is the first of a four-leg series, on August 11, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

The Global Youth Summit is an annual gathering of thousands of students and youth leaders from all over the Philippines.

They will be given the opportunity to learn about pressing societal concerns related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and work with each other in addressing them.

This year, guest speakers included the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey.

Meanwhile, Make A Difference (MAD) Travel Founder and sustainability educator Rafael Dionisio talked about environmental issues such as deforestation and plastic waste pollution.

The Head of Milo Sports Carlos Sampan touched on how community support can positively impact individuals and encourage them to succeed.

Angkas CEO George Royeca talked about utilizing digital platforms and social media to develop innovative solutions to existing problems.

GPF Asia Pacific Regional President Ingill Ra gave an impassioned speech on how unity in the face of challenges and adversity can help spark the change needed to move towards a better society.

Finally, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Philippines Youth Ambassador Nick Chun shared his insights on how critical youth involvement is in social issues, especially in responsible tourism.

The program concluded with a Youth Pledge, where participants vowed to continue fostering collaboration in activating their generation’s potential and create a more united and prosperous society.

Special performances from Filipino bands Hey June! and Gracenote rounded off the evening.