Global Youth Summit (GYS) is a 1-day celebration of youth leadership that aims to engage and inspire the world’s future experts. GYS is a space for young people to share their ideas and utilize their diverse skill-sets, knowledge, and networks to effectively address persistent problems of today. It is co-organized by Global Peace Foundation and SM Cares, and endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education.

I was one of the 19,200 youth leaders who attended the Global Youth Summit held at Mall Of Asia Arena last August 25, 2018. They featured renowned speakers from various fields to talk about the situation and the possible solutions on how to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Pre-Event

I first saw the advertisement about the Global Youth Summit while browsing on Facebook. Kudos on the organizers for using Facebook Ads to inform the possible participants like me. Upon signing up, I received a total of ten emails about the event. I was informed about the selling of GYS shirts, GYS Pre-Event, tickets claiming, and even an excuse letter signed by SM Cares and Global Peace Foundation.

During the Event

I redeemed my free ticket at the Mall of Asia Arena Ticket booth at around 9 am. There was a long line and I’m glad that I was able to meet some youth leaders from various places. I even saw some of my orgmates from UP Community Broadcasters’ Society.

My brother and I got the Upper Box Ticket. The good thing is, we were seated facing the stage. The crowd is noisier at the upper box section. It’s crazy. They are even having a showdown of flash lights while some speakers are delivering the speech. I wish there were some staff to control the unnecessary actions of some audience.

Takeaways from #GYS2018

1. “When you start doing something, you got to finish it. There’s no point going halfway.” – Mr. Titon Mitra, United Nations Development Programme Country Director

2. Partnership is working towards making a difference. It’s less about the different organizations but it’s more about the people: the individuals that contribute something and the individuals that work together.  – Mr. Christopher Morris, ADB NGO and Civil Society Head

3. “A partnership only makes sense if it is moving forward, when it is accomplishing something.” -Ms. Glo Ann Pauline Guevarra, ADB Knowledge and Management Specialist

4. “Let’s not only speak up for ourselves. Let’s speak up for those who doesn’t have voice.” -“Dr. Gundo Weiler, World Health Organization Representative in the Philippines

5. “A strong state is a state that allows ordinary people participate in politics.” “Culture cannot explain why there are countries that are left behind while others move forward. Policy can.” -Prof. Richard Heydarian, Political Analyst, Columnist and Author

6. “We may have different power and different strengths, but woven together, we can stand strong and beautiful.” -Ms. Farah Ali Ghodsinia, Children of Mindanao Founder

7. “What we really should think about is not just equality but diversity. Diversity is the key for profitable business.” – Ms. Pacita “Chit” Juan, ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network Chair

7. “Seek for problems, problems are opportunities. The secret of success is how much passion you have in life.” – Mr. Joey Concepcion, Go Negosyo Founder and Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship.

As an SK Secretary, attending Global Youth Summit is an eye-opener for me. I’ve learned a lot of things about the sustainable global development goals. It gave me ideas on how to promote youth’s engagement and to contribute to the 2030 Agenda through innovative ideas that can shape policies in providing long-term solutions to real-life problems and challenge in the 21st Century.

Here are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Do you think they are attainable?