SHAH ALAM, June 24 – Organised by the Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net), an international university network founded by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and hosted by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Global Youth Leadership Forum 2026 (GYLF 2026) brought together international youth for an impactful one-day leadership experience on 24 June 2026.

This signature initiative of ATU-Net welcomed 46 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Tanzania, Mali, the Maldives, the Philippines, Myanmar and India to strengthen global networks and enhance leadership competencies to address local and global challenges.

Under the theme “Dialogue, Action, Declaration,” GYLF 2026 empowered emerging leaders to exchange ideas, develop collaborative action plans and formalise their commitment through a Youth Leadership Declaration. To realise this agenda, the programme featured a keynote address, expert forums, country cluster discussions, a Youth Leadership Action Lab, as well as the Declaration Adoption Plenary and Youth Commitment Circle.

Starting with the opening speech by Assistant Vice-Chancellor (International), UiTM Global, Prof. Datin Dr. Norazida Mohamed, where she emphasised the important role of young people as catalysts for positive change and stressed the importance of cross-cultural collaboration, inclusive leadership and global partnerships in addressing contemporary challenges, so that lasting impact can be achieved.

The forum was officiated by the Executive Director of ATU-Net and the Director of UTM International, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, who also delivered the keynote address. In his presentation, he shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of youth leadership in an increasingly interconnected world, emphasising the importance of adaptive leadership, ethical decision-making and collaborative approaches in addressing complex global challenges.

He remarked, “Our world needs leaders who are willing to serve before they seek recognition, who choose collaboration over competition, and who measure success not only by personal achievement but by the positive impact they create for society.”

Representatives from the ATU-Net Secretariat, Ain Ajeerah Ramli and Nurul Saadah Mazni, were also present at the programme, further underscoring the strong institutional partnership between ATU-Net and UiTM in advancing youth leadership development and global engagement.

Participants were subsequently divided into country clusters to identify key challenges faced by youth within their local contexts. Through facilitated discussions, they exchanged perspectives, explored practical solutions and formulated action plans that reflected both local priorities and shared global aspirations. These ideas were further refined during the Youth Leadership Action Lab, where participants worked collaboratively to transform their proposals into actionable initiatives.

The programme concluded with the Declaration Adoption Plenary, during which representatives from each country presented their commitments before collectively endorsing the Youth Leadership Declaration. This symbolic commitment was followed by the Youth Commitment Circle, reinforcing participants’ shared responsibility to champion sustainable development, foster intercultural understanding and strengthen international cooperation beyond the forum.

GYLF 2026 successfully provided a dynamic platform for aspiring youth leaders to build meaningful international networks, exchange diverse perspectives and strengthen their capacity to become responsible global citizens. The forum reflects the continued commitment of ATU-Net and UiTM to nurturing future leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills and collaborative spirit required to contribute towards a more inclusive and sustainable world.

ATU-Net is a strategic international alliance of which UTM is both Chair and Secretariat with 56 member institutions from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Japan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, China, Pakistan and Türkiye.

Established during the 8th University Presidents Forum at UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on 9 August 2016, ATU-Net aims to connect technology-focused higher education institutions in Asia.

Prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Ain Ajeerah Ramli and Nurul Saadah Mazni