Last Sept. 28 youth, leaders from all over Visayas gathered together for a day of fruitful discussions and fun activities.
Held at The Mansion in Iloilo City, The 2030 Project brought to us Leaders Unite Visayas 2019 with the theme #AfterHours. This year’s theme is inspired by how much time we give back to the community. A little time from each one of us can make a substantial impact on our communities.
Guest speakers or “youth champions” as they’re called were invited to speak for a specific topic in line with United Nation’s 17 sustainable development goals (SGDs). 15 youth champions were able to come and talk about their advocacies. All of these youth champions have existing projects aligned with the 17 SGDs and have received awards from credible advocacy-based and award-giving bodies. There were three panel discussions each tackling different issue in key areas of the 17 SGDs. To be among the energetic youth who are eager to learn and to hear the youth champions speak was truly inspiring. It gives us hope for a better tomorrow.
Perhaps the highlight of the event was to hear the two keynote speakers speak, Asec. Paul Pangilinan, Commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission and, of course, the human rights lawyer and woke lolo of the youth, Atty. Chel Diokno. Their messages were clear: there is power in the youth and there is power when we work together.
The youth champions imparted some of the things they’ve learned based from their experience, like how important it is to not focus on one-time projects or short-term solutions and to believe in the power of collaboration among others.
It is good to know that the youth of today are putting efforts to make our nation a better one. Organizing this event was no easy feat, so kudosto the organizing committee of the Leaders Unite Visayas 2019! May your burning passion to serve the people lives on./PN
