The inaugural workshop of the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI) began in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 18, 2025. Ambassador Julie Chung welcomed participants from across South Asia, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Ambassador Chung thanked the Honorable Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage for attending the event. She also acknowledged local organizations, civil society partners, alumni networks, regional ambassadors, embassy representatives, and implementing partners such as the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the East-West Center. The U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section in Colombo was recognized for its leadership in organizing the workshop.
“This is an exciting and historic moment. You are the pioneers of a new initiative that aims to build bridges across borders and across generations—starting with all of you right here in Colombo,” said Ambassador Chung.
She emphasized that young people are not only future leaders but are already leading today. “The first president of the United States, George Washington, believed ‘The youth of America are the future of America. They should be taught to love their country, to cherish its liberties, and to strive for its prosperity.’ And that applies to all the youth in each of your countries.”
Chung highlighted previous U.S. Department of State initiatives such as YALI in Africa and YSEALI in Southeast Asia that have fostered collaboration among young changemakers. She noted that South Asia has nearly two billion people and one of the world’s most vibrant youth populations.
“Honestly, we should have launched YSALI years ago. But today, we’re making up for lost time—and I’m so glad that each of you is part of this inaugural journey,” she said.
Explaining YSALI’s purpose as a platform and network driven by its members’ leadership experiences through U.S. government exchange programs, Chung encouraged participants to turn their ideas into action beyond the workshop itself.
She shared a story about Gitanjali Rao—a young American scientist who invented technology to detect lead in water at age 11 and later developed a device addressing opioid addiction—demonstrating how young people can make significant contributions early on.
Chung mentioned upcoming activities during the week such as the YSALI Expo where participants will present civic projects and connect with potential collaborators from various sectors.
“The United States believes that when young people come together across borders, they build a more peaceful, more prosperous, and more inclusive future. That’s what we’re investing in,” she said.
She concluded by encouraging attendees: “You are the first YSALI cohort. You are leaders. And you are visionaries... This is your moment. Make it count.”