2025 Global Youth Summit (GYS) Empowers Next Generation Leaders

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. The event, organized by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, 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 Jessica Sy, Winwyn Marquez, Teacher Georcelle, Edward Barber, and Jessica Soho, who shared their insights and experiences on leadership, creativity, and social impact.

Jessica Sy, SM Sustainability Champion, addresses youth leaders at GYS 2025, inspiring action toward sustainable community initiatives.

Jessica Soho engages youth at the Global Youth Summit 2025, encouraging them to uphold peace, justice, and integrity as pillars of strong and inclusive communities.

Winwyn Marquez advocates for gender equality at GYS 2025, encouraging youth to break barriers and uplift women in their communities.

Teacher Georcelle speaks at GYS 2025, encouraging youth to harness creativity as a powerful tool for self-expression, leadership, and community impact.

Edward Barber connects with the youth at GYS 2025, answering their questions and inspiring meaningful dialogue that encourages young leaders to speak up and take action.

Youth take the pledge at GYS 2025, reaffirming their commitment to lead with purpose, uphold sustainability, and shape a better future for all.

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 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.”

Inspired by the voices of change at GYS 2025, the youth express renewed determination to lead with purpose and shape a better future for their communities.

Youth write their personal pledges at GYS 2025, expressing their commitment to becoming catalysts for a more inclusive, sustainable future.

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 on August 8, 2025, with regional events held at SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM City Bacolod, and SM City Puerto Princesa. On August 22, 2025, the initiative continues 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.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.