Our Work
In a good collaboration, mutual understanding is the foundation that comes from recognizing, understanding, and accepting the differences of one another. By achieving this combination, we can then learn and collectively grow as a community. C asean sees the importance of supporting the citizen of the world mindset, thus we have been working with partners to initiate activities under our three scopes of focus: Business & Sustainability, Learning & Talent Development, and Arts & Culture.
Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative
(YSEALI) Summit
Initially launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) aims to strengthen the partnership between the United States and ASEAN. YSEALI empowers emerging young leaders in Southeast Asia by enhancing their leadership skills and providing opportunities to learn from their regional peers. The program fosters a vibrant ASEAN community of civic, economic, and non-governmental leaders who can collaborate to address shared challenges.
In 2019, the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with C asean, hosted the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit. This annual event brought together 150 YSEALI exchange program alumni from all 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and Timor-Leste for an advanced leadership workshop.
The summit promoted problem-solving on critical regional topics related to civic engagement, sustainable development, education, and economic growth in line with “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” Thailand’s theme for 2019 ASEAN events. Participants engaged in advanced leadership training, explored avenues for regional collaboration, and networked with their peers from across the ASEAN region and the United States.
Objectives
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To promote YSEALI alumni engagement and enhance the U.S. – ASEAN relationship.
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To share the best practices in sustainable development in different aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through site visits and dynamic stories.
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To promote and empower the value of a diverse, inclusive society by working with people with disabilities among youth leaders.
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To equip YSEALI alumni with skills to work with local communities to solve global problems.
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To create an idea-planting platform for growing practical development projects.
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To promote active youth engagement towards regional sustainable development solutions.