Ivy League global impact summit for middle to high school students held in Ateneo

Last 16 to 20 June 2025, The Global Citizen Education Group, together with the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability (AIS), hosted the Ivy League Global Impact Summit. Held at SEC-C 201, the five-day intensive program engaged participants in immersive discussions, collaborative solution-building, and leadership sessions focused on empowering young changemakers to create equitable, green, and resilient urban environments.

During the first and second day of the summit, Ivy League-affiliated guest trainers Ms Azura Le Haynes and Ms Jamie Milton briefed the participants with the present context of the global world, particularly the challenges related to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Additionally, relevant skills such as systems thinking and leadership profile mapping were introduced to aid the participants in the ideation and implementation of feasible solutions to some of the most pressing issues in the world today. Certain periods were also dedicated for reflection, allowing the participants to contemplate on their roles as global citizens in addressing the core issues presented.

The next three days required a more active and intensive role from the participants, as they practiced collaborative solution-building. Ideation sessions encouraged the participants to brainstorm bold and creative solutions to SDG-related issues, while collaborative pitching sessions fostered a healthy exchange of feedback not only from the mentors but also among peers. The participants were given time to improve on their prototypes before the final showcase, which took place on the fifth day.

The summit ended with an awards ceremony and a fellowship session for the participants to further strengthen their bonds with each other, further highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnerships in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.

The participants' enthusiasm and positive energy were instrumental in the success of the summit. Aged 12-16, their unique vision and ideas inspire hope in a more sustainable future.