26-28 July 2012, Manila Philippines- Over 120 participants from the Asia Pacific region joined the 1st World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific Emerging Leaders Conference (WYAAP ELC) held at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros Manila, Philippines. Young people ages 15-30 years old came together to learn from experts and share their ideas on Sustainable Development.
With the theme of ‘Sustainable Development: Investing for Future Generations’, the 3-day conference became a starting point for discussion and collaboration. Sustainable development, which includes three interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars- social, economic and environmental areas, is the United Nations’ overarching concept for development and human rights. For World Youth Alliance (WYA), sustainable development can be achieved only through a person-centered approach to each of these pillars. “The success of the 1st WYAAP ELC shows how young people today are searching for initiatives where they can positively contribute to society’s concerns be it in the social, economic, or environmental aspect. To strengthen development, it is important to strengthen the family, invest in human capital, and cultivate human innovation and invention” shares WYAAP Regional Director, Ms. Renelyn Tan.
Conference speakers were composed of leaders from government, non-government and youth organizations. Congressman Dakila Carlo Cua of Quirino Province shared the idea that the people is at the heart of every nation. Cua added that governments who wish to improve their nation should invest in human capital, education, health care, and good governance. Senator Loren Legarda gave her keynote speech during the Fellowship Night where she focused on the valuable role of youth in disaster-risk management.
Other inspiring speakers were Mr. Mark Lozano (One Million Lights Philippines); Ms. Erika Tatad (HAPINOY); Arch. Raymond Andrew Sih (UAP, LEED AP BD+C); Mr. Dominic Klaassen (Young and Prolife New Zealand); Ms. Noreen Bautista (Jacinto & Lirio); Mr. Ray Peng (Taiwan Environmental Information Association); Ms. Eleanor Pinugu (Mano Amiga Academy); Ms. Trina Firmalo (Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, Romblon); Arch. Stephanie Joyce Tan-Braquinho (Spacefabrik); Ms. Charlene Tan (Good Food Co.) and Mr. Benjie Lelis (International Organization for Migration).
WYA is a global coalition of young people committed to promoting the dignity of the person in policy and culture. WYA operates in five regional offices and the Asia Pacific office is located in Manila, Philippines. If you would like to know more about WYA, send an email to asiapacific@wya.net or call +632 9215162. You may also visit the WYA website at www.wya.net.
