#iyds2014

Last 12 August, I missed one floating and two major subjects to attend an event organised by AIESEC Philippines and hosted by Asian Development Bank in celebration of International Youth Day. The main theme of the summit is “empowering the youth to achieve great expectations”. Over 300 students from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao gathered at ADB Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

I don’t have any pictures with the speakers or even with my group mates (except for a picture of my “handy dandy” notebook) but you can always visit the event's Facebook page , though.

First, let me tell you that I’m usually the snobbish girl who’s busy with her phone or with a book. Of course, I have to set aside this attitude and initiate a conversation with my group mates. (Surprise! I do talk. A lot. ) And since I have a final oral exam the next day, I spend most our coffee break reviewing (Yep. I brought my reviewer with me).

 Mr. Bindu Lohani Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank

He pointed out that half of the world's internet users are in Asia. Integrating the 750 million strong population of Asian youth with the power of information technology to influence and empower the citizens could help us come up with a solution on how can we sustain the unskilled, unemployed group so they won't be a burden to the country. I agree with him that wisdom and knowledge are still the most important resources in the world. 

Efren Peñaflorida

Dynamic Teen Company; CNN Hero of the Year (2009)

Here are some key points he mentioned that really struck me:

1. Believing must be accompanied with work,

2. Excel in every work. Don't settle for mediocrity. 

3. In dealing with mistakes or failures, you have 2 options. It's either you will be bitter or better.

4. Put your success in your heart not in your head.

5. Keep and protect your integrity.

6. Deal with your weakness. Dwell with your strengths.

Kesz Valdez

International Children's Peace prize awardee (2012)

His speech is very poetic and I really like it. He shared his story about a fire accident at the dumpsite (You read it right. He lived there. And he was 4 back then). It goes like this, he said the flame that burned him is the flame that rescued him and sparked hope. Moreover, I admire how he see the lack of knowledge as ignorance to what is harmful to us. 

Mr. Anthony Abad

President and CEO of Trade Advisory Group

One of my favorite speech in the summit. Basically, he told us that the challenge here is understanding the concept of leadership. Also, He provided key attributes of a real leadership. It challenges the status quo, sees the big picture, and "loves" integration and competition. By the way, he has a handful of very interesting commentaries for the sake of the Philippines (i.e. parliamentary system is more appropriate to my country etc.).

Risa Hontiveros

Chairperson of AKBAYAN Party-List

She's also against the abolition of Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) in the Philippines. I agree that what we need to do is to change the system. To summarise her short speech, she argued that youth ignorance and apathy is not true.

Marc Lozano

Founder and Country Head of One Million Lights Philippines.

Here's a college schoolmate that at a young age of 20 had already changed thousands of lives by providing solar lights to communities with no electricity. Their organisation's success didn't come easy. Many seniors doubted their capabilities. He emphasised that being a leader today is going out of your comfort zone. Yes. Yes, it is.

Arizza Nocum

Organization Head of Kristiyano-Islam Peace Library (KRIS Library)

This is my second time to hear her do a speech (the first time is during the International Youth Leaders' Conference 2014 held last March). She started by sharing the success stories of well-known personalities (like Bill Gates). No doubt that our world is defined by success. In line with the summit's theme, she argued that you don't have to be the best but to bring the best out of each individual in the room. You must also recognize the leadership in others. It's not always about you. She also added that failures are directly proportional to opportunities and we must utilize the power of the internet.

I left the ADB headquarters very intimidated (and empowered, of course). Maybe I don't have the time to start building my own legacy yet but we're getting there. For now, I devote my time with academics. Today is the last day of my 7th term in college. Now, I only have 2 terms left before graduation!

Until my next conference

Wishing you all a Happy International Youth Day