PHILIPPINES

Social Good Summit 2024: Empowering Changemakers Through Tech and Storytelling

The Social Good Summit (SGS) is an annual event that brings together a diverse group of citizens, innovators, and thought leaders who are dedicated to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. As a key partner, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines has consistently supported the conduct of the summit, which serves as a platform for dialogue and action on global challenges.

This year’s SGS, held on October 19, 2024, at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium of De La Salle University Manila, carried the theme Be the Change: How Storytelling and Tech Empower Changemakers. The event ran from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, attracting participants from various sectors eager to explore the intersection of technology, advocacy, and social change. The summit highlighted how storytelling and technological tools can drive social good, with a particular focus on empowering changemakers to take concrete actions.

One of the key discussions in the event revolved around the role of technology in addressing the global education crisis. Experts discussed both the positive impacts of tech innovations and the potential harms that need to be mitigated. Other significant topics included Governing for Liveable Cities, which focused on how urban governance can be shaped for better sustainability and resilience, and Content Creation for a Cause, where influencers like Arshie Larga, Buji Babiera, Jo Sebastian, and Lyqa Maravilla shared insights on using digital platforms to promote social causes.

In addition to the panel discussions, the summit also featured breakout sessions to encourage deeper engagement with relevant issues. Among the key topics covered in these sessions were Protecting Truth Tellers and Information Integrity Amid Elections and What Does It Take to Establish Climate-Resilient Cities? These sessions allowed attendees to actively contribute to discussions on critical issues such as misinformation, climate change, and the protection of human rights.

The event also hosted a range of distinguished speakers and panelists, including Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who delivered the keynote address. Secretary Angara emphasized the importance of a whole-of-nation approach to improving the quality of education in the Philippines, stressing that enhancing education is not solely the responsibility of the Department of Education but requires collective action from all sectors of society.

In addition to Sec Angara, Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, moderated one of the sessions, where she discussed the role of the media in protecting democracy and truth in the digital age. Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City also joined as a panelist, sharing her experiences in local governance and the challenges of building a livable city in the face of rapid urbanization. The summit also saw the participation of journalists, government officials, and experts in various fields, who contributed their perspectives on the summit’s discussions.

FNF Philippines played an active role in the event, by participating in the SGS X-change booth exhibit. The booth showcased the foundation’s mission and vision, allowing attendees to learn more about FNF’s work in promoting democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Other organizations that participated in the summit included Robinsons Malls, Vote for the Philippines, and Politikal ang Komiks, which each showcased their respective efforts in supporting social change and civic engagement.

Overall, the Social Good Summit 2024 successfully highlighted the power of technology and storytelling in creating meaningful change and inspired participants to take action toward a more sustainable and just future.

This article is written by Pie Escobar, the Communication Officer for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippine Office.