Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond: Strengthening Philippine–Japan Friendship for Sustainable Futures

Kidapawan City, Philippines — Central Mindanao Colleges, through its Center for International Affairs and Linkages (CIAL) and its student-led arm PRISM (Passionate and Responsive Individuals for Strategic Internationalization and Sustainable Development in Mindanao), partnered with the Mindanao Children’s Library (MCL) Foundation, Inc. to mark International Youth Day 2025 with a celebration of youth leadership, cross-cultural friendship, and sustainable development.

 

Anchored on this year’s theme, Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond: Strengthening Philippine–Japan Friendship for Sustainable Futures, the event highlighted the strong and enduring bonds between the Philippines and Japan. Japanese guests and long-time MCL partners joined the celebration, reflecting years of friendship, shared initiatives, and mutual support. The program also emphasized Central Mindanao Colleges’ continuing collaborations with Japan, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programs and previous academic and cultural exchanges that have welcomed Japanese educators and cultural advocates to Mindanao.

 

As part of their visit, the Japanese guests were welcomed through a campus tour that included visits to key CMC offices and a sharing session with administrators, faculty, and students. This provided an opportunity for open dialogue, cultural exchange, and strengthening of institutional partnerships.

 

The celebration advanced key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

 

 • SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promoting well-being for all through safe, healthy, and inclusive environments.

 • SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promoting inclusive, equitable, and globally connected learning opportunities.

 • SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Fostering cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding.

 • SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening local and international collaborations for shared progress.

 

Through their visit and the meaningful sharing session, participants deepened their appreciation for the shared values that unite the Philippines and Japan—turning global aspirations into meaningful local action.

 

This collaboration between Central Mindanao Colleges – Center for International Affairs and Linkages (CIAL) and the Mindanao Children’s Library (MCL) Foundation, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to building bridges across cultures, empowering young leaders, and shaping inclusive, peaceful, and globally engaged communities.

 

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#SDG16PeaceJusticeAndStrongInstitutions

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Related Goals 3 4 16 17