Lighting 3,500 Futures: JCI Manila’s Climate Art Set to Break Records at World Congress 2026

As the world prepares for JCI World Congress 2026, one initiative is set to stand out—not just for its scale, but for its meaning.

At the center of this global gathering is an ambitious undertaking: a World Record attempt to deploy over 3,500 solar lamps across climate-vulnerable communities in the Philippines. But beyond the numbers, the project carries a deeper purpose.

This is not just a deployment.
It is Climate Art.
It is leadership in action—Lead Beyond expectations, Lead Beyond limits, Lead Beyond the ordinary.

Through a carefully designed installation, thousands of solar lamps will come together to form a powerful visual statement—one that represents sustainability, resilience, and collective action against climate challenges. Each light is not only functional, but symbolic. Together, they create an artwork that tells a story: that even the smallest sources of light, when combined, can illuminate a path forward for entire communities.

And if successful, this will not only be seen on the ground.

It will be seen from space.

A climate artwork of this scale has the potential to become a global visual landmark—an innovation that transcends geography and reminds the world what collective action can achieve. This is what it means to Lead Beyond the Expected.

The initiative is made possible through partnership with Liter of Light, founded by Illac Diaz, a globally recognized movement that has transformed access to sustainable lighting around the world.

Today, Liter of Light stands as a global force for impact:

• 1,000,000+ solar lights installed worldwide
• UNESCO partner and global ambassador of the International Day of Light
• Active in 32 country chapters with over 2,800 youth members
• Supporting 650 women-led cooperatives through microloans
• Championing hyper-local production and green job creation

Through its model, Liter of Light does more than provide lighting—it teaches green skills, creates green jobs, and empowers communities on the frontlines of climate change. By working with families, local cooperatives, and volunteers, the organization enables communities to build their own solar lighting solutions using accessible materials. Its programs amplify voices from climate-vulnerable sectors, proving that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level.

Aligned with this mission, the JCI-led initiative aims to deliver sustainable lighting to underserved communities, where access to electricity remains limited and environmental risks are high. These solar lamps provide more than illumination—they offer safety, enable education, and support daily life.

Students will be able to study after dark.
Families will feel safer in their homes.
Communities will gain a reliable, renewable source of light.

Leading this initiative are LA Sevilla and Edison Ke, whose shared vision brings together global delegates, partners, and communities into one unified effort. Their leadership reflects a commitment to impact that goes beyond the event itself—Lead Beyond the Game, and into lasting change.

What makes this project especially compelling is its dual nature. It is both a world record attempt and a community-driven solution—blending innovation, sustainability, and service into one initiative. Delegates from around the world will not only witness this effort, but become part of it.

Because when the lights are finally turned on, the moment will represent more than a record.

It will be a statement.

A statement that leadership can be seen.
That service can be felt.
And that when thousands come together with a shared purpose, they can create something powerful enough to light not just communities—but the world.

Will JCI Manila succeed in its bold and daring endeavor to attempt to break the world record?

We shall see in the 2026 JCI World Congress.

One thing is certain—this is an innovation that is truly out of this world.