MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Masungi Georeserve Foundation is proud to share that Ann Dumaliang, its co-founder and managing trustee, has been named to the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2025 — a prestigious initiative of the World Economic Forum that brings together the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking leaders under 40.
Ann joins a selective community of changemakers from across the globe, chosen from thousands of nominations each year. Past YGLs include world-renowned leaders such as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai, Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, and Alibaba’s Jack Ma – visionaries whose work has redefined what leadership looks like in their fields.
Through the five-year YGL program, Ann will engage with a global network of peers working at the forefront of business, sustainability, technology, governance, and human rights. The program equips leaders with platforms for collaboration, strategic learning, and global influence—strengthening their ability to drive solutions for the world’s most urgent challenges.
“I’m honored to join this extraordinary group of leaders who are committed to creating a better future,” said Dumaliang. “ I’m grateful for this validation of the work we have done through decades and the potential it holds – not just in the Philippines but on the global stage—as we confront the climate crisis with the urgency and groundedness it demands. I firmly believe that frontline experiences must shape global solutions, and I’m energized to collaborate with fellow leaders who are driving transformative change where it matters most.”
Ann’s recognition comes at a critical moment for the Masungi Georeserve — a story rooted in the foundational efforts of her father, Ben Dumaliang, and scaled by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, exemplifying the long-term and intergenerational nature of stewardship and action. As managing trustee, Ann leads award-winning efforts to protect one of the Philippines’ most threatened forest corridors. Their cumulative work has been recognized globally for its innovative approach to conservation, community involvement, and public-private partnerships. In 2024, Ann and her sister Billie were named TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders for their fearless advocacy in defending the Masungi landscape against environmental destruction, political interference, and legal harassment.
Ann’s inclusion is a powerful signal that bold, locally grounded leadership can—and must—shape global climate and biodiversity action. Her presence in this year’s class ensures that the Philippine voice is heard in global spaces, and that the movement to protect nature and to solve planetary challenges are led by those who are deeply embedded in the landscapes they fight for.
Learn more at weforum.org.
