Disclaimer: This article is an unsponsored personal experience and is provided solely as inspiration.

Three months ago, I had the privilege of being selected as one of 25 youth delegates for the New Generation program thanks to the Friends for Leadership to participate in the 9th edition of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. This extraordinary event brought together young leaders from diverse backgrounds, representing countries such as China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and Russia.

Every encounter in these inspiring people was a path to a whole new way of thinking. Here are the three key takeaways from this remarkable experience:

1. Expanding a Meaningful Network

A strong network is the cornerstone of sustainable leadership. In just four days, we had the opportunity to connect deeply and exchange insights. From Rashmi, the first Indian president of the Oxford Student Union and now an insurance professional in India, to Perez, a Kenyan lawyer with a passion for wedding planning, every conversation highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping a more sustainable future.

2. First-Class Insights on BRICS+ and Eastern Economic Dynamics

The forum offered unprecedented understanding of the growing role of BRICS+ economies and of their cooperative projects. These countries are not only growing very quickly, but also helping to promote incredible amount of cohesion in order to push trade between one another. Some key trends discussed included:

Technology: The integration of AI in manufacturing, revolutionizing production processes.

Automobile Industry: The increase in European market share for Eastern vehicles, especially from China.

Culture and Infotainment: The increasing export of cultural content as a powerful tool for soft power.

It was fascinating to witness the growing number of countries expressing interest in joining BRICS+, underscoring their expanding influence on the global stage.

3. Discovering a New Part of the World

A visit to Vladivostok was an adventure into a city where the East confronts the West. Situated in GMT +10, it offers scenery and attractions such as the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, stunning panoramas and a long history. This experience made me realize how much we can learn from the encounters with each other’s cultures and points of view to develop novel solutions for the future.

A Truly Unforgettable Experience

Participating in the Eastern Economic Forum was more than an opportunity—it was a transformative journey that broadened my understanding of global leadership and collaboration. This event celebrated diversity, dialogue, and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on my personal and professional outlook.
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