At just 17, Cassandra B. Ynares is already making her mark on the global stage.
Just recently, she represented the Philippines as a youth delegate at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and the High-Level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York City.
During the forum, Cassandra highlighted the growing impact of youth-led organizations in the Philippines in advancing mental well-being, sexual and reproductive health, and HIV awareness.
She also introduced the Department of Health’s Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Program, showing how policy and youth initiatives can work hand in hand.
A key part of her advocacy is the CASSAma Foundation, which she personally founded. The organization offers safe spaces for Filipino youth, providing workshops and peer support for mental health.
In her address, Cassandra reaffirmed the need for collective global action, welcoming developments such as the WHO Pandemic Treaty adopted under the Philippines’ recent presidency of the World Health Assembly.
Though her voice at the UN is strong and articulate, Cassandra also stepped into the spotlight in a more glamorous setting earlier this year.
She made her showbiz debut at Brighter Together: The ABS-CBN Ball 2025, held at Solaire Resort North. Wearing a design by Paul Cabral and escorted by her mother, Cassandra made an impression with her poise among the country’s top celebrities.
Asked if she’s planning to enter showbiz, Cassandra responded, “I want to focus on my studies first. When I graduate, I might.”
