MANILA, February 17, 2008--A Filipino young social entrepreneur and alumnus of Ateneo de Manila University, Illac Diaz, is one of 28 nominees from all over the world to be declared Young Global Leader 2008 in Davos, Switzerland.

The honor is awarded annually by the World Economic Forum to recognize the most distinguished young leaders below the age of 40. Diaz shares the distinction with Senator Francis Joseph Escudero, according to Ateneo University sources.

Diaz was a student at Ateneo’s grade school in 1986, high school in 1990 and college 1994.

He was nominated for his “professional accomplishments, commitment to society, and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership.”

He has been awarded the 2007 DHL Young Entrepreneurs for Sustainability Award in Singapore; 2006 People of the Year Award from People Asia Magazine, and The Outstanding Young Persons of the World 2006 award from Junior Chamber International, and the 2005 Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines award also from JCI.

He founded the Pier One Seafarer’s Dorm and is the executive director of MyShelter Foundation, a non-profit organization which addresses the housing and educational concerns of the rural areas.

As a nominee, he is invited to join The Forum of Young Global Leaders as an active community member.

The honorees, meanwhile, will be announced on March 11, 2008 in Geneva to the international press. The Selection Committee is chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan.

“It is a great honor to keep on carrying the Atenean name as I use the passion and spirit of my faith as a wedge to find ways to create common good. I at first thought that the theology was a cross that was an impossible burden, bit it turned out to be a strengthening in my early years in school that gave me persistence and determination to make a difference,” jubilant Diaz said. (Santosh Digal)