(2 November, 2024 – In this photo, Kurt Ryan D. Encabo (third from the right) is receiving a medal and certificate during an awards ceremony at the Future Leaders Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)
Kurt Ryan David D. Encabo, a first-year BA Communication student, represented the Philippines as a partially funded delegate at the Future Leaders Congress Malaysia (FLCM) 2024, held from November 1 to November 4, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Selected for his impactful essay on inspiring Filipino youth, Kurt stood out among applicants with a vision for social change.
FLCM 2024 was hosted by Teaching Pakistan, an organization that works to promote and teach Sustainable Development Goals to the global youth through conferences, youth summits, and seminars. Kurt received a Gold Medal Award for his outstanding participation in the “Interactive Session on Climate Action” alongside his team, “Move Forward,” which secured First Place for their action plan addressing global warming and climate change in the Philippines.
With the award given, Kurt aims to prove to the world that the youth can be bearers of change. He expresses, “The Future Leaders Congress Malaysia 2024 is all about global youth networking and sharing ideas on how AI can help us achieve quality opportunities in battling severe climate crises, such as increasing heat, heavy rainfalls, and droughts. My role in the congress was to represent not only the institution but also the entire Mapúa MCM community and the youth sector in the Philippines. As a catalyst of change, I aim to prove to the world that youth are not just passive observers but are stronger and eager to take action on pressing global issues. We must fight for a better future for our world.”
The congress brought together 70 aspiring leaders from Asia, North America, South America, Europe, and Africa—including the Philippines, Pakistan, UAE, USA, India, Turkey, Romania, Cambodia, Togo, Ghana, Tajikistan, Yemen, Argentina, and Germany—equipping them with essential skills to enact change in their communities.
FLCM 2024 fostered global networks and the exchange of transformative ideas, with key discussions centered on AI in climate action, cultural unity, and digital peace-building. Participants engaged in interactive sessions on leadership, cultural awareness, and community engagement, with workshops on team building. The event emphasized self-reflection, critical discussions, and project presentations.
Kurt’s involvement in FLCM 2024 strengthened his leadership skills and connected him with a global network of advocates and future diplomats.
For inquiries about international engagement, please contact the Center for International Programs at iprogram@mcm.edu.ph. To learn more about upcoming international activities, enroll in Engage through this link https://engage.mcm.edu.ph/ and join the Center for International Programs page, where you can access the full list of activities.