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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/SM Supermalls) |
The Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2025 brought together more than 33,000 youth changemakers from schools, organizations, and communities nationwide — both on-ground and online — at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last August 3, 2025. The event, organized by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines and SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm SM Cares, served as a dynamic platform for young student leaders, innovators, and advocates to collaborate, share ideas, and take action toward advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Manila summit featured inspiring keynote speeches and empowering sessions focused on youth empowerment, sustainability, innovation, and leadership. Among the distinguished speakers were SM sustainability champion Jessica Sy, Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 and Miss Universe Philippines 2025 first runner-up Winwyn Marquez, G-Force founder and creative director Teacher Georcelle Dapat-Sy, Edward Barber, and veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho who shared their insights and experiences on leadership, creativity, and social impact. The program also highlighted outstanding performances from Matthew Ifield, NU Dance Company, Over October, and Hori7on, energizing the crowd and celebrating the passion and talent of Filipino youth. “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the force for change today. Through the Global Youth Summit, we aim to give them the tools, inspiration, and community to turn their vision into reality,” said SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth Royston Cabunag. Global Peace Foundation Philippines Executive Director Leonard Faustino added, “Collaboration across sectors is key to unlocking the potential of the next generation. The Global Youth Summit is proof of what can happen when we come together for a shared purpose.”
The Global Youth Summit at MOA Arena serves as the launchpad for 16 provincial legs across the country. Together with the main event in Manila, these 17 mall locations collectively represent the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Following the momentum of GYS 2025 at MOA Arena, the rollout continued last August 8, 2025 with regional events held at SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM City Bacolod, and SM City Puerto Princesa and last August 22, 2025 at SM City Bataan, SM Center Pulilan, SM Center Dagupan, and SM City San Lazaro. The third wave follows on August 29, 2025 with activities at SM CDO Downtown, SM City Butuan, SM Lanang, and SM City General Santos. Finally, the series concludes on September 5, 2025, with events at SM City Bacoor, SM City San Pablo, SM City Sto. Tomas, and SM Southmall. Each leg will feature youth-led solution pitches and partner activations designed to seed community projects aligned with priority SDGs. These provincial events will continue the momentum, empowering more young Filipinos in their own communities to take action on local and global challenges.
SM Supermalls, one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines, marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and serving as a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect. As it enters a new era, SM Supermalls continues evolving with you, redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive, meaningful experiences for all.
