The sun setting on the Embassy of Malaysia set a breathtaking scene for the International Young Leaders Assembly (IYLA) participants as they arrived for an unforgettable evening.
Today, participants visited the World Bank in Washington, D.C. and engaged in stimulating dialogue with a panel of talented guests. A wonderful dinner at the embassy followed this high level plenary.
Magali, Deputy Executive Director of the program introduced the mission and accomplishments of the program thus far. IYLA is a partnership driven initiative that seeks to empower young leaders under the three main pillars of vision, service and entrepreneurship. The program has worked to connect leaders across the globe since 2012 and while they held events in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Mongolia, and Paraguay, they hope to reach many more regions of the world in the years to come.
The dining room greeted visitors with vibrant floral wall décor, colorful tablecloths and bright chandeliers. Our young leaders were excited to engage with honorable guest ambassadors and prime ministers.
Everyone enjoyed the spicy Malaysian cuisine; Benedicte Tshandiru from The Democratic Republic of Congo said her eyes watered a bit because of the spicy food but added, “This is the best food in the world, I just cried because it was so good!”
After dinner, participants and ambassadors sang songs as a representation of their country. Many groups sang beautiful, traditional songs of their country. The group representing America however, chose to perform a version of “My girl” by the Temptations, which many sang along to.
John Dickson, organizer of the IYLA, commented on how hopeful the assembly of young delegates truly is. He said, “you’re our secret weapon to change the world.”