Over 33,600 Young Changemakers Unite to Create Inspiring Waves of Change
PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2025 brought together more than 33,600 youth changemakers from schools, organizations, and communities nationwide—both on-ground and online—at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on August 3, 2025.
Organized by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the event served as a dynamic platform for young student leaders, innovators, and advocates to collaborate and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Manila summit featured inspiring keynote speeches from distinguished speakers Jessica Sy, Winwyn Marquez, Teacher Georcelle, Edward Barber, and Jessica Soho, who shared insights 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 Filipino youth talent.
“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 Royston Cabunag, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth.
Leonard Faustino, Global Peace Foundation Philippines Executive Director, 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 launches 16 provincial legs across the country. Together with the main event, these 17 mall locations collectively represent the 17 UN SDGs.
Following the Manila event, the rollout continued August 8, 2025, with regional events at SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM City Bacolod, and SM City Puerto Princesa. On August 22, the initiative continues at SM City Bataan, SM Center Pulilan, SM Center Dagupan, and SM City San Lazaro. The third wave follows August 29 with activities at SM CDO Downtown, SM City Butuan, SM Lanang, and SM City General Santos. The series concludes September 5 with events at SM City Bacoor, SM City San Pablo, SM City Sto. Tomas, and SM Southmall.
Each leg features youth-led solution pitches and partner activations designed to seed community projects aligned with priority SDGs, empowering more young Filipinos to take action on local and global challenges.
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—Southeast Asia’s largest mall developer with 88 malls in the Philippines—continues evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and commitment to shaping retail’s future with inclusive, meaningful experiences.
