The U.S. Embassy Colombo concluded its Youth Forum Leadership Summit 2024, an event that united 120 young leaders, change-makers and visionaries from across the region to facilitate dialogue on global challenges, foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and social
responsibility, and promote inclusivity in society. The summit, a dynamic event designed to empower the next generation of South Asian leaders, welcomed youth from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan alongside participants from Sri Lanka’s five
American Spaces in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Matara, and Batticaloa.
Speaking to participants at the conclusion of the summit on March 7, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung highlighted the importance of using their energy for positive change in their communities,
noting: “This week has been a journey! From diving into diverse cultures to shaking up the status quo, you’ve shown that ‘doing something is better than doing nothing.’ The United States is proud to nurture such talent and invest in the leaders of tomorrow
across the region. I’m eagerly anticipating the incredible impacts you’ll bring to your communities and beyond. A huge shoutout to all the speakers, mentors, and facilitators for making the Youth Forum Leadership Summit a success!”
On March 4, the keynote address was delivered by Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Group CEO of Hemas, who discussed her personal journey and embracing every challenge or failure as an opportunity.
On March 5, “Embassy Day,” participants visited the U.S. Embassy and engaged with staff during mock visa interviews, self-defense sessions, and project management exercises. Throughout the week, the summit provided a platform for young leaders to present their
innovative ideas and showcased a series of interactive sessions designed to hone critical leadership skills. From engaging discussions on public speaking, entrepreneurship, AI technology, and team management to workshops on embracing diversity, problem-solving
and ethical leadership, the participants were equipped with the tools necessary for driving positive change within their communities and be successful in the modern world. The summit culminated in a service-learning project at Vijayaba Maha Vidyalaya in Colombo
14, where participants led an initiative to uplift the school’s library, science and music rooms, and planted an edible garden.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, this year’s summit also welcomed hearing-impaired Youth Forum members from Batticaloa and featured comprehensive sign language interpretation
to ensure everyone’s full participation. Speaking through sign language interpretation, Jafry Hathim took the stage to express his thanks for the sessions on AI, self-defense, and cross-cultural communication: “This experience will bring me a great opportunity
to go forward in in my life as a great youth leader.”
Finally, from Nepal, summit participant Sairus Sharma said, “As we reflect on our time together, we’ve realized something unique, something profound – despite our differences in cultures
and backgrounds, we share a common thread that unites us beyond the man-made borders…Let’s continue to work together towards a brighter future for all, keeping in mind that South Asia’s collective efforts have the power to make a real different in the world.”
About the Youth Forum:
The U.S. Embassy’s Youth Forum comprises dynamic Sri Lankan individuals aged 18 to 25, exemplifying inclusive leadership qualities. Each Youth Forum team, composed of
15 young adults from diverse backgrounds, is dedicated to honing leadership skills, gaining project management expertise, and addressing community needs through collaborative solutions. Furthermore, the five American Spaces in Sri Lanka serve as hubs for continuous
leadership development, offering opportunities for learning, exchange, and impactful initiatives throughout the year. For more information on American Corners and future Youth Forum activities, follow American Center Colombo, American Corner Jaffna, American
Corner Kandy, American Corner Matara, and iHub Batticaloa on Facebook and Instagram.
