The National Economics Summit (NES) has always been a symposium that brings together students from all over the Philippines to discuss, debate, and consolidate views and opinions on issues concerning the socioeconomic and political state of the country. Over the years, NES has established itself as the premier youth-led economics summit that tackled topics such as elections and the economy, jobs and unemployment, inequality and poverty, ASEAN integration, Philippine economic growth, business economics, and many more.
For its 12th year, the National Economics Summit debuts “The Here and Now: The Philippines in the face of Economic Crises” in response to the Philippines’ aim for post-pandemic recovery. With the economic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, this year’s theme for the summit focuses on exploring ways in which the country can move toward sustainable development despite ongoing challenges. Furthermore, it provides an avenue through which we can tackle the current surge of inflation of commodities, the socioeconomic challenges faced by the different sectors of our society, the global economy at large, and its corresponding impact on the local economy.
With endorsements from the Junior Economics Society (JPES), the UP School of Economics (UPSE), and the UP Diliman University Student Council (USC), the Summit will be giving its 165 delegates the opportunity to evaluate key issues in the country and around the world from the viewpoint of economics with the hopes of leaving a lasting and beneficial impact on the next generation of Filipino economists and leaders. This year, the Summit has invited a prestigious lineup of speakers including Dr. Rowena Laguilles-Timog, Genesis “Kelly” Lontoc, Dr. Chester Cabalza, and NEDA Undersecretary Joseph Capuno.
With this year’s delegates and invited speakers, the National Economics Summit hopes to continue being an avenue for the youth to engage in critical discourse regarding pressing socioeconomic issues and to brainstorm solutions grounded on the present context of the Philippines.