More than 100 high school and incoming first-year college students from across the country attended Launch UP, a three-day virtual Youth Leadership Summit organized by AIESEC in University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) from July 8 to 12, 2025.
With the theme, “Launch UP: Above and Beyond,” the summit offered a launching point for young leaders to begin their value-driven leadership, empowering them to lead with purpose and strive to make an impact.
Day 1 — Lead with purpose: Why youth leadership matters now
Day one of the summit was opened by Duc Anh Le Hoang (Tuna), the Outgoing Country president of AIESEC in Taiwan, who highlighted that leadership starts with a purpose.
“Youth leadership matters not because it can change the world but because it makes people care again,” Tuna said.
The session emphasized the importance of youth leadership in addressing current societal challenges. Participants were challenged to reflect on their personal “whys” to recognize their values and purpose in leadership.
Day 2 — Lead with meaning: Finding purpose in every choice
The second day of the summit focused on how purposeful leadership is reflected not only in big decisions but also in every choice made along the way.
Gee Coronel, the Outgoing Country president of AIESEC in the Philippines for term 24.25, discussed the different types of leaders and inspired participants to think about the kind of leader they want to become. He noted that this choice is imperative in shaping the future of the next generation.
Day 3 — Lead out loud: Present, collaborate, impact
The final day of the summit centered on fostering the participants’ collaborative thinking and problem-solving skills to present solutions to real-world issues in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rae Quilapio, Country president of AIESEC in the Philippines for term 23.24, instilled that leadership starts with saying yes to challenges and taking care of the people in charge.
“In a world that constantly changes and challenges us, choose to lead,” she added.
Launched UP, above, and beyond
As Launch UP concludes its three-day journey filled with leadership workshops, group discussions, and collaborative outputs, AIESEC in UPLB recognized the active participation of the participants and esteemed sponsors.