Ann Dumaliang, cofounder of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI), has been selected by the World Economic Forum as part of its Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2025. She is the only Filipino included in this year’s cohort, which recognizes exceptional leaders under 40 who are redefining leadership in a changing world.
The YGL community brings together high-ranking leaders from across industries—corporate, public, civil, academic, and more. Selected through a highly competitive process, YGLs undergo a five-year program focused on collaboration, strategic learning, and global impact.
In an interview with the Inquirer, Dumaliang expressed hope that the recognition will help scale their conservation work at Masungi:
“The YGL community, as a broader network … gives us an opportunity to engage a more diverse group of stakeholders internationally.”
She emphasized that the Masungi model is rooted in conservation, but also involves governance, education, sustainable development, and public health.
“To make it work, there are so many levers that actually have to work,” she said.
Dumaliang sees the recognition as a tool for connection and influence.
“Being exposed to this group of people who’ve led and done amazing, extraordinary things gives us access to the best in class,” she added.
Founded in 2015, MGFI spearheads conservation in a 2,700-hectare area in Baras, Rizal. However, the Dumaliang family’s involvement dates back to the late 1990s, through Blue Star Construction.
“It’s wonderful that this award… highlights the intergenerationality of the effort,” she said.
Despite recent challenges—including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) cancellation of a joint venture with Blue Star—Dumaliang remains steadfast.
“It is a huge affirmation in the face of everything we’re going through,” she said.
“We will resist efforts to dismantle proven mechanisms and models.”
She underscored the importance of government-citizen collaboration:
“The Masungi experience is living proof of what is possible when [the] government and citizens work together with courage, creativity and commitment.”
Dumaliang joins past Filipino YGLs such as Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Clarissa Delgado, Paul Rivera, and others. She was previously named a National Geographic Explorer, Ashoka Fellow, and finalist for the UN Environment Programme’s Young Champions of the Earth.