PROFILE

Mirus Ponon is a dynamic 23-year-old youth changemaker and the Founder and Chairperson of the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from De La Salle University, graduating Magna Cum Laude and serving as the graduation speaker for the class of 2023. His outstanding leadership was recognized with the prestigious Gawad Ortigas Most Outstanding Student Leader award.

Currently, Mirus is a postgraduate student at KU Leuven and was the youngest speaker at the United Nations Global Climate and SDG Conference. He also served as the Head Delegate of the Philippines in APEC Voices of the Future in 2021 and 2022. 

Mirus' impact extends globally, evidenced by his inclusion in Tatler Asia's GenT List, Common Purpose Global Legacy 25 Under 25, and the United Nations Asia and the Pacific 30 for 2030. He is a recipient of the Young Global Changemakers Award, the Deloitte CSR National Youth Award, and the National Youth Commission Presidential Youth Service Award. 

His journey began at age 9 when he saw poverty first-hand while growing up in Paco, Manila. This personal encounter with adversity ignited Mirus' passion for advocacy, and he has since shared his story in numerous news and media outlets. With over 500 speaking engagements around the globe, Mirus has become a powerful voice for change.

His aspirations lie in continuing to be a catalyst for positive transformation, leveraging his platform to address global challenges and empower youth to create a lasting impact. His multifaceted roles and impressive achievements underscore his dedication to making a meaningful difference.