4th SDG Bayanihan Summit Unites Over 700 Youth Advocates at DLSU Manila

Rhett Addison Chiu
February 23, 2025

The Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium at De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila buzzed with hope and excitement yesterday as over 700 young delegates gathered for the 4th SDG Bayanihan Summit, themed “Tao Po: Tawag sa Kabataan Para sa Pandaigdigang Adhikain.” This landmark event—the largest assembly to date—united youth advocates, sustainability experts, and partner organizations in a collective pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The summit opened with a stirring address by the Director of DLSU’s Sustainability Office, who highlighted the alarming decline of the nation’s coral reefs—a crisis so severe that it recently prompted an emergency meeting. “We face an uphill battle in meeting all our SDG targets by 2030, but the youth remain our greatest asset in driving transformative change,” the Director stressed.

JCI Manila Director for Special Projects Joshua Aragon then detailed the organization’s concrete contributions to the SDGs, spotlighting initiatives that have advanced environmental conservation, social inclusion, and community empowerment. His presentation underscored the power of collective action in addressing pressing global challenges.

Director for Special Projects Joshua Aragon highlights JCI Manila’s initiatives in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing the organization’s commitment to impactful change.

A special message from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reinforced the summit’s mission, affirming the unwavering belief in young people’s capacity to create an inclusive world where no one is left behind.

Keynote speaker Director Diane Gail Maharjan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) delivered an urgent call to action in her address, “Harnessing the Bayanihan Spirit for the SDGs: A Roadmap to 2030.” She underscored the critical need for climate resilience and demonstrated how individual choices can generate ripple effects across society and the environment.

During his remarks, JCI Manila President Adrian “AP” Padiernos inspired the audience by sharing a personal reflection on his role as a father. “When I look at my kids, I see the future we are building together,” he said. He urged everyone to understand that making our voices heard goes beyond mere words. “To be heard doesn’t just mean someone listened. To get our voices heard, we need to make things happen. Action is essential,” he declared, emphasizing that our efforts today will shape the legacy for the next generations.

JCI Manila President Adrian Padiernos, VP for Community Affairs Dizon Kwok, and Director for Special Projects Joshua Aragon formalize their commitment to the UN SDGs through a Memorandum of Agreement with SDG advocates, paving the way for impactful community projects.

The summit also featured two dynamic panel discussions. The first, “Beyond Awareness: Driving Behavioral Change for Sustainability,” explored strategies to turn knowledge into action. Panelists including Germaine De Runa, a Global Fellow at Cornell Alliance for Science; social entrepreneur John Cornwill of Bakas; and poet Ron Canimo of Mga Tala at Tula discussed challenges in food security, mental health advocacy, and the critical importance of electing leaders whose policies align with the SDGs.

The second panel, “Youth Civic Engagement in the 2025 Elections: How to #Vote4SDGs,” tackled the pivotal role of young voters in shaping governance. Moderated by DLSU-D USG President Abigail Hapal, the discussion featured insights from Cliford Natividad of the National Youth Commission, Hazel Duya of USAID 2.0 and iLinang Philippines, and Alecs Marasigan of GoodGov PH, who examined strategies for corruption prevention, policy advocacy, and the transformative potential of the youth vote.

A breakout session allowed delegates to work in focus groups to develop over 70 innovative SDG-aligned project concepts, serving as a fertile incubator for ideas that can drive tangible change. Meanwhile, the Global Goals Fair at the Cory Aquino Democratic Space showcased various organizations’ advocacies, products, and informational materials, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.

As the summit drew to a close, President Padiernos announced a ₱50,000 grant for one standout initiative emerging from the breakout sessions—a critical boost to bring a promising idea to life. A Memorandum of Agreement was also signed with YouthForce2030, reaffirming a long-term commitment to SDG advocacy and collaboration.

The 4th SDG Bayanihan Summit was more than an event—it was a movement, a declaration that today’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. With the spirit of bayanihan at its core, the summit affirmed that a more sustainable and just world is not just a possibility but an inevitability.

For more updates on SDG initiatives and other inspiring stories, stay tuned to our digital platform as we continue to document and share the impact of youth-led change across the nation and beyond.