YOUTH leaders and students across the country came together for the biggest annual Global Youth Summit on Sunday, August 3. The event, organized by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation, featured several distinguished speakers who talked about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Youth summits and conferences inspire and transform youth leaders on a path of innovation and success. It’s not just an annual event; it’s a lived experience that opens doors of opportunities, perspectives, and stories that motivate the youth to do better.
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Kimuel Javonillo, a 19-year-old broadcasting student from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), shared that it’s his first time attending a large youth event. He felt empowered to know that a lot of youth participate in this kind of gathering, not just to be inspired but also to serve as an inspiration to people around him. Attending these kinds of events was enriching for him because it opened discussions to participate in what is happening to our country, and the world as a whole.
Karol Josef Martinez, another broadcasting student from PUP, is also a first-time attendee of the Global Youth Summit. For him, the experience was thrilling because of the immersive takeaways from the event. He emphasized that it’s not just an event for the sake of attending, it’s a reminder of knowing what the youth’s intention should be, and what they can do in the present and for the future of the community.
“‘Yung experience po talaga na ‘yon is something that you would not take for granted. It leaves you with so much room to grow and to actually self-realize, and then move forward with the information and with the talks that you heard, that you’ve gathered,” Martinez shared with RepublicAsia.
Youth engagement shapes a better future. With collective voices and shared inspiration, young individuals take on the role of joining conversations and participating in the community. This renewed sense of purpose from what they’ve learned is a spark of change.
Inspiring Takeaways from the Youth
Hilary Guia, a 21-year-old junior broadcasting student from PUP, shared her most impactful lesson she got from the summit. She said she was particularly inspired by celebrity advocate Edward Barber, who talked about the importance of health and well-being. His message resonated deeply with her, emphasizing that well-being encompasses not only physical health but also emotional wellness.
One of the standout points from Barber’s talk was the value of authenticity, encouraging the youth to embrace their struggles and reminding them that there’s hope. Hiding and pretending are not worth the mental strain to the youth, which is why Guia felt the message on a personal level as she reflected on her experiences.
“There’s strength in being honest with how you feel. That I’ve always been someone who feels deeply, and for the longest time, I thought that made me sensitive. Now I understand that acknowledging what you feel, even in small ways, is a form of healing,” Guia told RepublicAsia.
As a student leader, Martinez is dedicated to advocating for the causes of gender equality and youth empowerment. His leadership was anchored in fostering safe spaces and creating an inclusive community; thus, he found Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Winwyn Marquez’s discussion on gender equality significant.
During her talk, Marquez emphasized that gender equality creates a shared space where everyone has the right to be seen. She urged the youth to challenge unfairness and choose to be kind in every situation. For Martinez, this message is a call to a movement for the youth, stressing that peace comes from showing up truthfully, fully, and even in the hardest times, especially living in a society that deals with many social challenges.
“The most important thing is to really show up, and to show up even when no one is watching, especially when no one is watching. That’s when you know that your intentions are clear,” Martinez stressed.
Can the Youth be the Gamechangers?
Sustainable development might sound like a huge responsibility to carry, but in reality, it is what the world urgently needs. Jessica Soho, a seasoned broadcast journalist and one of the speakers of the event, reminded the youth to stop being comfortable with the glaring inequalities.
As the country faces challenges in various sectors, including education and food security, young individuals ponder how they can contribute in making the world more sustainable.
“Sustainability starts from ourselves. Small things that are a step in sustainability can help a lot of people just by knowing how to recycle our trash, knowing to be a responsible citizen, as well as lowering our carbon footprints,” Javonillo told RepublicAsia.
Youth play a crucial role in sustainability. For Javonillo, sustainability starts with individual actions. In his own way, recycling and reducing waste are important. Lifestyle choices are vital for the betterment of our environment, like biking instead of driving or choosing sustainable products. By making mindful choices, the youth can inspire and lead others, contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.
“Rebuilding the world begins by rebuilding who you are by learning how to carry and present yourself with honesty and compassion. And no matter how heavy things get, never grow tired of choosing kindness. Because eventually, you’ll find people who can genuinely give that kindness back,” Guia shared.
Personal growth is also an important foundation for creating positive change. Self-reflection and commitment to improve our society cultivate a sense of authenticity. Connecting to people and recognizing vulnerabilities allows us to support and understand the community in a better light. The power of kindness creates a ripple effect, nurturing a culture of compassion that can rebuild our society.
The youth may be the future leaders of society, but in the present, they are the catalyst for change. The call to action for the youth is clear: embrace the responsibility of sustainability and ignite change. Soho believes that she sees hope in the youth generation. She leaves the room with a call to get involved and ask the hard questions. The youth have the energy and power to collectively act, seek transparency, and demand accountability.
As the youth harness their potential to become the driving force of transformation, the change starts with ourselves, and it must start now. Those who dare to act today can reap the brighter future ahead.
