Civic Engagement Story: A Reflection on the YSALI Experience

Before participating in the Young South Asian Leadership Initiative (YSALI) civic engagement and entrepreneurship workshop in Colombo, Sri Lanka, I felt directionless. I started a non-profit in December 2024, but I struggled to achieve my goals and objectives. My experience with YSALI has given me direction and purpose for my future civic engagement initiatives in my community. I met young leaders from South Asia who are tackling significant developmental challenges in their regions. The YSALI leaders inspired me to find the courage, confidence, and motivation necessary for pursuing community empowerment.

 

The sessions and in-person activities in Colombo were both engaging and insightful. I was thankful for the opportunity to share my leadership story with my YSALI peers and on social media platforms. I interacted with various leaders and learned about their impactful initiatives. These exchanges with my peers boosted my confidence and helped me adopt a more critical approach to civic engagement and leadership.


One of the most encouraging moments for me was realizing that I am not alone on this journey. I connected with over 80 like-minded leaders from South Asia and received tremendous support from the U.S. Department of State, the East-West Center, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

 

The Young South Asian Leadership Initiative has greatly broadened my understanding of civic engagement and leadership. I was inspired by the stories of the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) and Young Southeast Asian Leaders (YSEALI). Their personal experiences showcased resilience and courage. My peers from South Asia are doing remarkable and innovative work by connecting people, empowering marginalized communities, and driving meaningful change. I learned how Indian YSEALI leaders organized India’s largest volunteer movement, and I listened to my Pakistani peers who are actively addressing critical developmental challenges.

 

I had the opportunity to meet individuals from Bhutan, the Maldives, South Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Laos for the first time. These interactions broadened my perspective as I noticed that participants from diverse backgrounds face similar challenges and issues.

 

I have prepared an action plan based on the insights I gained from the YSALI program. This initiative has given me the credibility to reach out to my community and offer solutions to their socio-economic, cultural, and political challenges. My involvement in this program has enhanced both my personal and professional skills, and it has instilled confidence in me that I will use to promote the mission and vision of the Gunair Welfare and Development Organization.

 

My non-profit organization is dedicated to combating extremism, gender-based violence, and leadership gaps, while promoting rational thinking and evidence-based public policy. During the YSALI workshop and my visit to the Sri Lankan parliament, I noticed significant gaps in youth engagement in policymaking and legislation within my province. As a result, I plan to take action to involve young people more actively in these processes.


The friends and colleagues I met in Colombo will stay with me forever. The knowledge, understanding, and interactions I had with unique and interesting people from the United States, Sri Lanka, and South Asia will be valuable assets for my future initiatives. I truly appreciated the openness, support, mentorship, and friendliness of all the YSALI instructors. These memories and experiences will always remain with me.


Nayyar Abbas's passion is writing. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science and a master's in Development Studies in Peace and Conflict. He writes about economics, politics, religion, philosophy, and peace. His aim is to highlight classical liberal ideas of economics, politics, and identity changes in a fast-transforming world.

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