Developing countries are increasingly taking charge of their own development, capitalizing on foreign aid and private sector investment and fostering a new generation of development leaders.

There is perhaps no better example of this movement than the Philippines and its capital city Manila, which hosts a dynamic mix of both well-established and up-and-coming aid organizations ranging from prominent multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank to local community development organizations like Gawad Kalinga. The young, reform-minded and spirited leaders of these organizations are making a major development impact by catalyzing change both at home and abroad.

The Manila 40 Under 40 event is about recognizing and celebrating these young leaders. Following successful 40 Under 40 events in London in 2011 and Washington, D.C., in 2010, Devex is proud to have selected the Philippines as the first developing country to host this event.

Awardees were honored at a formal event in Makati City on Feb. 19, 2013.