From October 1-3, 2015, over 300 young people converged in Subic Bay for the much anticipated Global Youth Forum 2015 (GYF).

Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism, AGREA Agricultural Systems International Inc. Department of Tourism Philippines, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and Department of the Interior and Local Government, GYF challenged the role of youth in the tourism sector. Many questions were raised and discussed such as: what does sustainable tourism look like? how is the tourism industry changing thanks to social media and new technology? and how can youth get into tourism jobs?

Attendees came from all over the Philippines some as far south as Bukidnon and as far north as Batanes, others as close as Bataan and Pampanga. GYF featured over 20 high profile, innovative and exciting speakers from the Philippines and internationally. Imtiaz Muqbil (Thailand), Executive Editor for Travel Impact Newswire and one of the longest serving travel-trade journalists in the Asia Pacific spoke on “global market for local talents – ASEAN youth on the move” while 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Peñaflorida (Philippines) touched on how youth are “sowers of change through education”.

The opening ceremony was particularly special with former Philippines’ President Fidel V. Ramos as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. Though 87 years old, Former President Ramos demonstrated his youthful nature by removing his coat, throwing it off the stage and encouraging the youth to get up off their seats and take action for change.

Attendees also heard from younger power houses such as, Globe’s Director for Corporate Brand Management & Shared Services – Roki Ferrer, Founder and President of Bambike and current finalist for Rappler’s Boss for Social Responsibility #BeTheBoss Awards: Bryan McClelland, Founder of The Dream Project Philippines: Prim Paypon, President and Co-founder of IdeaSpace Philippines: Earl Valencia and Brian Poe Llamanzares.

As well as the formal plenary sessions, attendees were able to network with each other, witness Philippines’ innovations and art through an exhibition and purchase products and services through the “Show & Sell” market. To end the forum attendees were treated to a loud and colourful Zumba party and a Subic Bay Tour.

The three day forum buzzed with activity and attendees left with big smiles and LOTS of photos. Posting in the GYF Facebook Page, Muqbil stated that “it was a truly great event…indeed proud to have been a part of it. Looking fwd to the next one.”

Source: http://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/108566-youth-sustainable-tourism