SM City Sto. Tomas successfully hosted the 13th Global Youth Summit 2025 on September 5, 2025, gathering hundreds of students and youth leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainable development goals.
The summit, organized in partnership with SM Cares, SM City Sto. Tomas, Global Peace Foundation Philippines, Bless Microfinance Corporation, Sto. Tomas Youth Development and Sports Division, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, SM Malls Online and various youth organizations, provided a platform for young people to exchange ideas, voice concerns and craft solutions for challenges affecting today’s generation.
Hosting 17 locations in the Philippines aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the event focused on 3 SDGs – Life on Land, Clean Water and Sanitation and Reduced Inequalities – which were discussed and further explained by the invited speakers Ms. Earl Angelica K. Lesaca, Forest Management Section Head of City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) from the City Government of Sto. Tomas, Ms. Yessa G. Escarez, Air and Water Management Section Head of CENRO and Ms. Alice Perez – Olarte, Social Welfare Officer II of the City Social Welfare and Development Office from the City Government of Sto. Tomas.
Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSME) representatives Mr. Chito Macapagal Aquino (Chitoe’s Homemade Products) and Ms. Liezl Olimpiada (Angel’s Touch Candles) also proudly shared their inspiring entrepreneurship stories for young, aspiring business – owners.
The Global Youth Summit ended with a Youth Pledge – headed by volunteer, Ms. Anna Lorraine Allego – which served as a powerful symbol of the youth’s commitment as young individuals towards the Sustainable Development Goals and their actions as meaningful contributions to society. This advocacy continues to be a driving force in uniting young leaders worldwide, amplifying their voices and equipping them with the tools to become catalysts of change.| – Kabayannews.net