This year, IPNYFPH 2017 will focus on enabling the youth to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
Millennials get a lot of flak. Many say they are only as good as the selfies they take, or the memes that they share on social media. They’re called “self-entitled,” “broke,” and “lazy.” But these young people are capable of much more. This August, they are coming together to defy the stigma and change the world.
The youth have the energy, passion, innovativeness, sense of social purpose and idealism to change the world. This is the core belief behind Ideas Positive, the youth engagement program of Unilab Foundation.
Ideas Positive (IP) has helped solve health problems in communities, with and through the youth, through a nationwide competition for innovative solutions. Since 2012, IP has helped 515 young Filipinos transform their ideas into outstanding outcomes in over 105 communities nationwide, touching the lives of more than 39,000 Filipinos.
IP has always sought to encourage more Filipino youth to take action. To this end, IP launched the Ideas Positive National Youth Forum on Public Health (IPNYFPH) in August 2016. This was the first of an annual gathering of young health leaders, where the goal is to discuss pressing health issues and innovative solutions for a healthier Philippines.
With more than 250 youth attendees, IPNYFPH 2016 provided a venue for public health talks, health research presentations and video documentaries, and as well as recognition for the outstanding health outcomes of Ideas Positive Run 6 projects. It also coincided with the celebration of the International Youth Day.
This year, IPNYFPH 2017 will focus on enabling the youth to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. The whole-day event has four important components:
a) Youth-centered Forums. The Ideas Positive Run 7 National Finalist teams from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will share the outcomes of their community projects. They will impart stories and learnings from the implementation of their health projects in their chosen communities.
b) Public Health Updates. Subject matter experts on different health categories will give an overview on the status of healthcare in the Philippines, and on how the youth can contribute in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Topics include Mental Health; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Health and Well-Being of Vulnerable Groups; and Health and Technology.
c) Outcomes Exhibit. The incredible power of the youth will be showcased in interactive booths. Delegates can interact with the youth teams to expand their network and influence. This is an opportunity to meet the teams, and to learn from their experience, innovation and enthusiasm.
d) Ideas Positive Run 7 Grand Finals. The top five teams will present the outcomes of their projects to an esteemed panel of judges. The Awarding Ceremony will follow immediately after the team presentations.
IPNYFPH 2017 is open to all Filipino youth age 18 to 30 years old--students, young professionals, and out-of-school youth who are interested and passionate about public health and development. Students and professionals in the field of medicine and allied health sciences, as well as members of non-government organizations, government organizations, and the private sector focused on health and development are encouraged to join. Interested participants may sign up at bit.ly/IPNYFPH2017register. A fee of PHP 500 for snacks, certificate, and conference kit will be collected on the day of the forum.
For more information about IPNYFPH 2017, visit fb.com/IPNYFPH2017.