I come from Pakistan, a place full of smart, capable, passionate young people. I’ve seen firsthand how talented they are, from brilliant problem-solvers to creative minds ready to take on anything. But they’re often held back, not by a lack of skill, but by invisible walls around them.

My grandmother’s core belief, “May all beings be happy, and no one sleeps hungry,” gave her the strength to help others throughout her life. Inspired by her compassion and principles, we created the RRM Janhit Foundation (Ram Rati Memorial Janhit Foundation). What started as monthly food distributions in small annakshetras (feeding areas) has evolved into a foundation that feeds nearly 3,000 people every day.

There’s something people rarely talk about when it comes to youth leadership. It’s the pressure to be everything, all the time. A voice of reason. A spark of energy. A symbol of resilience. While it may look admirable from the outside, what it demands from the inside is something completely different.

Inspired by the roofing used in local Bahay Kubos, we invented a multi-layered sustainable fabric with various applications. In creating a bucket hat with the Sambalilo fabric, Filipino farmers were given a voice.

The experience of attending my first international conference is something I will never forget. I certainly learned a lot from the people I met who shared their experiences and perspectives. They inspired me to do more myself. I want to use what I have learned and apply it to my community too.

On the southern coast of Malang, Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets a fragile and biodiverse coastline, something remarkable is unfolding. In a place once overshadowed by poverty, environmental degradation, and limited opportunity, a new identity is taking root. Locals now proudly call it “Ibu Kota Penyu” — the Sea Turtle Capital.

I came to the summit because I strongly believe in the power of meeting people who care deeply about the lives of others. I was eager to learn what these young advocates are doing to make our globe a good place to live. I needed the perspective of my fellow peers to know where I stand in making this world a better place.

Some stories need to be told but struggle to find a space to exist. That is why this blog was created. It’s not just as a platform but a movement to amplify voices that might have otherwise gone unheard.