Global Youth Summit 2025 sparks nationwide youth empowerment
The Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2025 has set a historic milestone, uniting over 40,000 young leaders, innovators, and advocates in simultaneous events across 17 SM malls nationwide. Powered by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines, the summit highlighted the strength of Filipino youth as a transformative force for change.
From Luzon to Mindanao, students, youth groups, and advocates gathered for thought-provoking discussions, keynote sessions, and collaborative activities. These sessions tackled empowerment, sustainability, innovation, and leadership, underlining the role of the youth in shaping the country’s future.
“The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow, they are a driving force for change today. The Global Youth Summit proves what is possible when we empower young people nationwide,” said Royston Cabunag, SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth.
Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of GPF Philippines, echoed the message: “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.”
Each of the 17 provincial summit locations was anchored on one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ensured equal focus on every global goal, while giving young people the platform to share solutions and create actionable projects within their communities.
Highlights included youth pledges, thought-provoking dialogues, and collaborative efforts by organizations like the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. From SM Mall of Asia Arena to provincial centers like SM City Iloilo, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Butuan, young changemakers stood united in their commitment to leadership and innovation.
By engaging over 40,000 Filipino youth, SM Cares and GPF reaffirm their mission to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and youth participation on a national scale. The Global Youth Summit 2025 cements its place as one of the country’s largest youth movements, amplifying voices that will shape the nation’s future.
This milestone coincides with SM Supermalls’ celebration of 40 Super Years, marking four decades of evolving with Filipinos while championing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
