Young Leaders Program 2024 Successfully Held at the 16th South China Sea Conference

The Young Leaders Program 2024, part of the 16th South China Sea Conference “Navigating Narratives, Nurturing Norms”, successfully concluded on October 23-24, 2024, in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. During the two days, eight Young Leaders from various countries, together with four Young Captains from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), actively participated and contributed to the Conference’s success.

The Program received over 470 strong applications worldwide and selected excellent eight Young Leaders from Brazil, Chile, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. At the Conference, eight Young Leaders successfully presented at the Special Session and the Post-Conference Commentary session. The discussions brought fresh ideas to address current South China Sea issues, including the emerging trend of minilateral cooperation, technology, and environmental cooperation, and the young generation’s contribution to South China Sea issues.

Throughout the Conference, Young Leaders demonstrated their eagerness to learn by actively following discussions, taking detailed notes, and engaging in conversations. Their strong communication skills were shown through their thoughtful comments and insightful questions to scholars at the Conference.

More importantly, this year’s Program provided DAV students, including Young Leaders Program participants and four DAV Young Captains, with valuable opportunities to learn and gain inspiration. The active involvement of DAV students as Young Leaders and DAV Captains has helped showcase DAV’s young generation as dynamic, aspirational, and visionary in international academic settings./.