PROFILE

Emmanuel Mirus Ponon is a 24 year old globally recognized youth changemaker, advocate, and development scholar dedicated to empowering young people and shaping inclusive development narratives. He completed the prestigious Master's in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies program at KU Leuven and is currently pursuing a 2nd Master’s degree International Politics, in where he continues to deepen his expertise in youth development, policy, and international collaboration.

Mirus is the Founder f the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network (AYAN), a platform he established to amplify youth voices across Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, AYAN has implemented initiatives that promote youth inclusion, civic engagement, and sustainable development, reaching hundreds of young leaders across the region. He has represented the Philippines at some of the world’s most influential platforms, including the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, APEC Voices of the Future, the Earthshot Prize, and numerous international conferences, delivering over 500 talks that inspire, inform, and mobilize youth action.

His groundbreaking work has earned him recognition in Tatler Asia’s GenT List, Common Purpose Global Legacy 25 Under 25, and the United Nations Asia and the Pacific 30 for 2030. Mirus’s advocacy bridges the Global South and international policy spaces, critically examining how youth programs shape development narratives while championing equity, representation, and meaningful engagement. Beyond his public speaking and leadership, he is known for creating innovative pathways for young leaders to engage with global issues, combining practical experience with a deep understanding of the socio-political landscapes in which they operate.

Driven by a passion for social impact, Mirus continues to challenge conventional approaches to youth engagement, positioning himself at the forefront of global youth advocacy and development. His work reflects a commitment not just to participation, but to transformative leadership that inspires change at both local and international levels.