The Student League for Academic Advancement and Progress (SLAAP), a semi-academic organization based in Mindanao State University – Marawi, will hold the first-ever Lanao Youth Summit this April 23-24, at MSU, Marawi City.
The summit is aimed primarily to increase youth participation in Mindanao peace-building, provide an overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal 16, update the delegates on the current status of Mindanao peace process and peace situation, and solicit from the participants ideas and opinions about the peace crisis in Mindanao. The event would tackle topics related to the UN SDGs, Mindanao peace, the role of media and the government, and people’s prejudices against Mindanao.
“It is important to always acknowledge the potentials of the young people in contributing something to the efforts of the people to save peace in Mindanao. These Lanao youth have huge capabilities to change the bloody picture Mindanao has been tagged with since time immemorial. It is now high time to change the rules of the game. Let’s see what youth can offer,” Mark Maylan, SLAAP President.
The said summit is expected to convene student and youth leaders, youth peace advocates, campus journalists, and all other young individuals coming from (but not limited to) universities, academic institutions, socio-civic, and non-government organizations in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur provinces.
Partner organizations for the 1st LYS include Wheninmanila.com, One Ranao Movement, National Association of UNESCO Clubs in the Philippines, AISEC Philippines, and SDG Youth National Convergence. Other organizations like United Nations in the Philippines, Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process and National Youth Commission have yet to confirm their interest in partnering with the League.
