The Global Youth Summit (GYS), held annually by SM Cares and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to inspire youth leaders to become catalysts for change, recently concluded its South Luzon leg which took place from June 8 to June 22, 2024 across SM Malls in Southern Luzon.

The GYS is an annual event that provides the youth with opportunities to use your voice, share your ideas, and help create long-term and sustainable solutions to the most pressing problems and challenges affecting you today.

SM Cares and GPF kicked off the South Luzon leg of this year’s GYS in Legazpi City, Albay last June 8, 2024, which focused on “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Economies.” The event tackled the role of sustainability in ensuring the long-term viability of cities and economies.

The second GYS event in South Luzon was held in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon last June 9, 2024. Focusing on “SDG 14: Life Below Water,” the event underscored the importance of protecting our waters and marine life, a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem.

Last June 15, 2024, GYS visited Sta. Rosa, Laguna for its third South Luzon leg event. The focus was “SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy,” highlighting the importance of exploring renewable and sustainable energy sources.

The fourth GYS event in South Luzon, held in Tanza, Cavite last June 16, 2024, focused on “SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.” The event emphasized creating equal opportunities for quality employment and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises  (MSMEs)

SM Cares and GPF concluded the GYS South Luzon Leg in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas last June 22, 2024. The event centered on “SDG 4: Quality Education,” highlighting its role as the foundation of a thriving society with equal access to lifelong learning opportunities.

With the South Luzon leg concluded successfully, SM Cares and GPF are now gearing up for the Mindanao Leg of GYS. If you’re a Mindanaoan youth leader and you want to use your voice to help address the problems affecting you, you can join GYS events to be held in the following venues: SM CDO Downtown on July 6, 2024; SM City General Santos on July 9, 2024; and SM Lanang Premier on July 11, 2024.

This year’s 17-leg event aims to represent all 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each location highlighted a specific SDG, featuring insightful talks and engaging activities to empower the youth.

Please visit https://bit.ly/GYSRegistration to learn more about how you can be part of the movement towards a better world for youth like you!

The GYS is one of SM Cares’ numerous Programs on Children and Youth, supporting all 17 UN SDGs. Others include supporting projects with UNICEF and the Book Nook, a free library and community hub where parents and children can bond over books, workshops and activities.

Aside from its Programs on Children and Youth, SM Cares also has programs on the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

To learn more, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.