Department of Political Science - University of the Philippines Diliman’s Post

On April 23rd we launched the very first Advisory Board for the Middle East and Africa.  We hosted 21 Top CEOs leading some of the biggest global MEA players. The theme for this meeting was “Next Frontiers of Technology” WHY As part of MEA 2024 Plan, we decided to double down on our Exec Community with 2 main objectives:  (1) from MEA to the World: Bring together the most influential leaders of the region and create opportunities for our global leaders to learn from them as MEA becomes a strategic region for the company (2) from Meta to MEA, beyond re-enforcing already rock solid relationships with our CEO to facilitate our growth, we also felt the importance of creating this forum to discuss some of the questions and concerns  that the recent regional and global events have created. LEARNINGS & NEXT STEPS The Advisory Board members emphasized the significance of this community in fostering connections, inspiration, and feedback. We appreciate their input, which pushes us to improve and offer valuable perspectives on our business and the industry as a whole. We are now looking forward to our next meeting. More to come!

One thing that truly stands out for me about Denmark is the strong focus on building community and engaging in volunteer work. There are so many opportunities to connect with people, both personally and professionally. A great example is the Female Leadership Academy and their recent event, "Achieving Success with an International Career." As an international female leader myself, someone striving to push gender boundaries, I attended the event—and it was incredibly insightful. It was a unique opportunity to meet and learn from top managers of global companies such as Kathryn Alexis Jörgensen, Rina Castillo, Peder Stedal, Serena De Maio, and Mette Hybschmann. What stood out most was hearing these leaders share how they overcame fears and challenges when stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue international careers. It was a reminder that even the most accomplished professionals once faced similar uncertainties. For me, the key takeaway was the importance of understanding cultural differences, balancing personal and professional life, and having a strong support system when starting an international journey. A big thank you to the Female Leadership Academy for organizing such an inspiring event and creating a space for learning, sharing, and connecting. 👏

What does "leadership networking" mean? It is not just a group of growth-minded professionals with excellent hard, soft, cognitive, leadership, and other types of skills. It is also an opportunity to gain continuous feedback on your growth. At times, we get stuck in our development and need to zoom out to see the bigger picture of our personal or professional journey. Besides helpful insights, CELA provides all the essentials for an objective review of your growth.

Opportunity

Join me with Shatabhisha Shetty next Wednesday (25 Sept) to discuss her career in international security, what challenges she’s faced, and insider tips for women in the field! Registration link below!

Our Founder & Director, Veerappan Swaminathan, was part of the AYF 2024 panel in Singapore discussing the "Impact of AI on the Workforce in ASEAN". The ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) is a leadership development programme that aims to connect emerging young leaders with a focus on public, private, and people sector collaboration. It is organised by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) in partnership with the National Youth Council Singapore (NYC). The ASEAN Youth Fellowship was inaugurated in 2018 to mark Singapore's chairmanship of ASEAN. This year saw the sixth edition of the programme. AYF 2024 took place from Nov 3-10 as an in-person programme, beginning in Singapore and continuing with an overseas component in Laos. AYF 2024 was attended by 44 young Southeast Asian leaders representing the 10 ASEAN member states, with Timor-Leste being represented for the first time. "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience", this year's AYF focused on innovation and creativity as key regional growth drivers. Fellows had the opportunity to engage with senior policymakers, prominent thought leaders, and changemakers from Singapore on ASEAN-related issues. #ASEANYouthFellowship2024 #nycsg #sif  

*Leadership in Africa, with Ing. Dr. Atsu Sogbey, President - Africa Development Council* *Applied Scientists,* Good Candidates for Effective Leadership, *China - A Case Study.*

Today, as a member of #YALINETWORK, I join #YALINIGERIA to celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day. This celebration is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. This year's theme, #ItsInYourHands, emphasizes the power and responsibility we all have to make a difference in our communities. In this spirit, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. Founded by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2010, YALI aims to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Recognizing that Africa’s future depends on strong, ethical leadership, YALI seeks to support young Africans as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance and enhance peace and security across the continent. #YALI achieves this mission through several key programs, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the YALI Network, and the YALI Regional Leadership Centers. 1. The Mandela Washington Fellowship brings young leaders to the United States for academic coursework and leadership training. 2. The YALI Network, a vibrant online community, offers invaluable resources and connects young Africans with opportunities for training, workshops and networking. 3. The YALI Regional Leadership Centers provide in-person training throughout Africa in business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management. Joining the #YALINetwork means becoming part of a vast and dynamic community of young leaders committed to driving positive change. By engaging with #YALI, you gain access to a plethora of resources designed to help you build your leadership skills, start and grow your business, or lead positive change in your community. The network provides online courses, weekly emails with tips on how to get involved and information on upcoming events and opportunities. On this Mandela Day, it's not too late to make a difference. Whether it's through community service, advocacy or simply spreading awareness, every action counts. As a member of #YALINETWORK, I am using this medium to implore you to join the YALI Network through this link today https://lnkd.in/giRbJKbQ and become part of a movement that is shaping the future of Africa. Remember, #ItsInYourHands to make a change. Together, we can build a better world for all. #NelsonMandelaDay #YALIServes #ItsInYourHands #YoungAfricanLeaders #MakeADifference

JAP Scholarship: Paving the Way for Africa's Future Leaders. The JAP Scholarship Program empowers African students to achieve their academic goals and launch successful careers. This scholarship goes beyond financial aid, offering a comprehensive support system that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a globalized world. JAP Scholarship recipients benefit from academic mentorship, cultural immersion experiences, and professional development workshops. The program fosters leadership qualities, refines communication skills, and provides valuable networking opportunities. This holistic approach ensures students are not just academically prepared but also culturally aware and well-equipped to navigate the professional landscape. By investing in Africa's brightest minds, the JAP Scholarship Program paves the way for a future generation of leaders who can contribute to the continent's social and economic development. These future leaders will be instrumental in driving innovation, creating positive change, and shaping a brighter future for Africa.

This is so profound. I was at the Africa Leadership Conference organized by the GOTNI LEADERSHIP CENTER in Ghana last week and one of the speakers spoke about raising African children as leaders not just as leaders who think locally but globally and it made sense to me as a mom who wants her kids to be able to compete at global levels not just locally. How do you build that problem solving skills in them and why is it important to do so? Here’s the answer in the video and my little addition to that as it relates to finance and leadership: Allowing children to solve their own problems, particularly in the realm of finances, is crucial for their development of financial skills. When children are given opportunities to make decisions about money, such as budgeting their allowance or saving up for a desired purchase, they learn valuable lessons about financial responsibility, resource allocation, and delayed gratification. By experiencing the consequences of their choices firsthand, they develop a deeper understanding of the value of money and the importance of making informed financial decisions. When children are allowed to face and overcome challenges independently, they learn to think critically, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. These are foundational attributes for effective leadership in any context.