Over 100 accomplished young leaders and regional partners united for 5 days last month at the iconic Green School for the 2023 YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Global Environmental Issues Alumni Workshop in Bali, Indonesia. Funded by the US Department of State and led by the East-West Center in collaboration with the University of Montana Mansfield Center, this workshop was the last phase of the fellowship for participants in the 2018-2021 cohorts. Taking place after participants' residential training in the US and running their own regional programs using leadership skills and networks gained in the fellowship, the workshop aimed to strengthen the young leaders' abilities to address environmental issues in Southeast Asia and increase collaboration across cohorts, institutions, and regional communities.

The workshop featured various sessions on value-based leadership, crowdsourcing opportunities, and a gallery walkthrough of exceptional initiatives led by alumni. Participants had the chance to immerse themselves in Balinese culture by training with ‘Mepantigan’ martial artists in a mud pit, creating Balinese offerings of ‘canang sari,’ and visiting Balinese Hindu temples. In the spirit of giving back, alumni also participated in community service by planting mangroves, creating a wheelchair-friendly path, and practicing regenerative farming in collaboration with local organizations.

At the end of the workshop, alumni shared their initiatives, challenges, and best practices to learn from one another and local experts in Southeast Asia. The success of the workshop was made possible by the engagement of many local partners, including Green Camp Bali and Green School Bali.

Overall, the YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Global Environmental Issues Alumni Workshop provided a unique platform for alumni to connect and work together towards a common goal. By combining their expertise and knowledge, these alumni will be able to multiply the effect of their contributions to environmental solutions in Southeast Asia and beyond. Several alumni have already gone on to earn doctorates, become physicians, found prestigious organizations, or write national legislation for their countries. The skills, connections, and experiences gained through their YSEALI fellowships have opened the door towards many opportunities for these young leaders