The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) celebrated a decade of impactful contributions at the YSEALI Summit 2023, held from December 4th to 7th at the Prama Hotel Sanur in Bali, Indonesia. The summit brought together changemakers from Southeast Asia and the United States to share best practices in community engagement and development, emphasizing inclusivity and resilience in the region. Girls Can Lead was honored to be an integral part of this transformative event, reinforcing our commitment to empowering young women leaders across Southeast Asia.
The YSEALI Summit 2023, themed "A Decade of Impact," marked ten years of YSEALI's efforts in addressing shared challenges across Southeast Asia and the U.S. Organized by the U.S. Embassy in collaboration with the Biji-Biji Initiative, Girls Can Lead, and the Pratisara Bumi Foundation, the summit underscored the importance of uniting young leaders dedicated to building a resilient, prosperous, and secure Southeast Asia, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all.
For Girls Can Lead, the summit was an exceptional platform to highlight our mission of fostering inclusive leadership skills in young people and promoting equity for all. Over the four-day event, YSEALI alumni participated in a variety of interactive sessions designed to enhance their leadership skills and community impact. These activities included masterclasses, group exercises, project-based learning experiences, and networking opportunities. Participants also engaged in community dialogues, site visits, and cultural activities that provided a comprehensive understanding of the local context and challenges.
One of the summit's most exciting aspects was the provision of professional development grants and seed funding. Up to 50 participants received an average of USD 700 to further their leadership development, while 20 selected teams were awarded USD 5,000 each to implement their community initiatives. Girls Can Lead was particularly proud to see many young women leaders receive these grants, enabling them to drive meaningful change in their communities.
The summit highlighted numerous success stories from ASEAN-U.S. engagement, showcasing the positive outcomes of collaborative efforts in the region. Participants shared their experiences and best practices in promoting inclusivity and community engagement. The financial support provided through professional development grants and seed funding empowered young leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities.
The YSEALI Summit 2023 was made possible through the efforts of the U.S. Embassy and its implementing partners. The Biji-Biji Initiative, Girls Can Lead, and the Pratisara Bumi Foundation played crucial roles in organizing the event and supporting the participants. Their contributions ensured the summit's success and reinforced the collaborative spirit of YSEALI.
As YSEALI enters its second decade, the impact of its initiatives continues to grow. The YSEALI Summit 2023 demonstrated the power of young leaders to effect positive change and build a brighter future for Southeast Asia. Girls Can Lead is proud to have been a part of this transformative event and looks forward to contributing to future YSEALI initiatives. Together, we can build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Southeast Asia. We encourage continued support and participation in YSEALI programs to sustain this momentum and drive further progress in the region.
Girls Can Lead remains committed to empowering young people, fostering inclusive leadership, and promoting equal opportunities for all regardless of their gender. The YSEALI Summit 2023 has reinforced our resolve to continue our work and support the next generation of leaders in Southeast Asia.
