MANILA, Philippines – Four cities and 4,000 young Filipinos came together for one shared purpose as the Global Youth Summit 2026 (GYS 2026) concluded its nationwide run on August 27.
Affirming the role of the youth in building a stronger and more inclusive country, the 14th edition of GYS was co-organized by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation to inform and empower Filipino next generation Filipinos—equipping them for real life through accessible channels nationwide. More than 100 school partners, organizations, and institutions were engaged throughout four regional legs at SM City Bacolod, SM CDO Downtown, SM Mall of Asia, and SM City Laoag.
“Young people do not have to wait for the future to come before they are empowered to lead. Through SM Cares and its youth-oriented efforts like the four-leg Global Youth Summit, mall spaces are transformed into meaningful platforms where the youth can be heard, learn from others, and understand how they can turn their concerns into action,” said Royston Cabunag, Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth.
Honing the nation’s emerging leaders
The nationwide run of GYS began at SM City Bacolod on August 17, where 1,000 participants explored environmental awareness, wildlife conservation, climate action, and the role of young people in protecting their communities and natural resources.
At SM CDO Downtown on August 20, 900 participants examined how clean water and sanitation, peace, justice, responsible institutions, and good governance contribute to resilient and inclusive communities.
The summit continued at SM Mall of Asia on August 25, bringing together 1,000 young people for conversations on personal development, financial literacy, physical and mental health, self-expression, and the responsible use of one’s voice and influence.
Its final leg was held at SM City Laoag on August 27, where 1,100 participants discussed health and well-being, mental health awareness, sustainable cities, tourism and local development, and reduced inequalities.
The four regional legs connected national and global development issues with the realities of each host community. Although the discussions reflected different local concerns, they reinforced the common message that young Filipinos throughout the country have a stake in its future and a role in shaping it.
The conclusion of GYS 2026 does not end the work it began. Participants return to their schools, organizations, and communities with new perspectives, relationships, and ideas that can inform how they respond to local concerns and pursue their own initiatives.
Sustaining the Global Youth Summit as an annual initiative forms part of SM’s continuing commitment to nation-building. SM Cares helps young Filipinos become ready to contribute in the present and lead in the future through this platform for learning, dialogue, and participation.
SM will continue this commitment through the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit on October 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The upcoming summit will place youth entrepreneurship and economic empowerment at the center of the conversation.
While the Global Youth Summit engaged young people on social, environmental, health, governance, and development concerns, the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit will focus on enterprise and economic participation. These complementary initiatives nurture future leaders and changemakers while supporting the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs and business leaders.
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