AIESEC in the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) successfully launched its flagship youth leadership event, the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) 2026, held from July 13 to 18, under the theme “Momentum: Moving Youth Leadership Forward,” led by Dana Angela Belo.

Building on the success of its previous run, which empowered over 100 young leaders, YLS 2026 continued its mission of equipping the next generation with the mindset, skills, and connections needed to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

This year, the summit welcomed 114 delegates from various schools and universities across the Philippines. Expanding on its previous format, YLS 2026 introduced an onsite experience, providing participants with more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn alongside fellow aspiring leaders.

The summit commenced with “Momentum Within: Discovering the Leader in You,” featuring a keynote session by Albert Colasito, principal of National University East Ortigas Senior High School. His talk encouraged delegates to develop self-awareness and embrace leadership as a journey of continuous growth and purpose.

On the second day, delegates explored “Momentum Together: Leading Through Collaboration and Empathy,” through a session facilitated by Vea Unigo, president of AIESEC, UPLB. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating impact through collaborative leadership.

The third day featured “Momentum Forward: Turning Vision into Impact,” led by Cathlyn De Guzman, senior program officer of Makesense Asia and an alumna of AIESEC in UPLB. Drawing from her experiences in the social impact sector, she inspired participants to transform their aspirations into tangible actions that contribute to positive change.

The summit culminated on July 18, 2026, with an onsite conference held at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Sta. Mesa. A key highlight of the event was a dynamic panel discussion featuring Meg Aguila from UPLB, Renzo Gutierrez from Ateneo de Manila University, Felix Ba-ay III, president of the PUP College of Social Sciences and Development Student Council, and Aleana Abon from the Asian Institute of Management and the University of Houston. Drawing from their diverse experiences in leadership, student governance, and advocacy, the panelists shared valuable insights on navigating challenges, creating impact, and leading with purpose in an ever-changing world.

Bringing together delegates from different parts of the country, the onsite conference also featured interactive workshops, networking activities, and leadership discussions that encouraged participants to translate their ideas into meaningful action. The event served as a platform for young leaders to exchange perspectives, build lasting connections, and strengthen their commitment to driving positive change within their communities and beyond.

YLS 2026 was made possible through the partnership and support of PUP College of Social Sciences and Development Student Council (PUP CSSD SC), whose contributions helped bring the summit experience to life.

As the world's largest youth-run organization, AIESEC remains committed to developing values-driven leaders through leadership development experiences, exchange programs, and youth-focused initiatives. Through events such as the Youth Leadership Summit, AIESEC in UPLB continues to empower young people to unlock their potential and become active contributors to society.