New Generation Asia Youth Conference 2024: Striving Beyond Status Quo

New Generation Sri Lanka, the youth division of the global brand Women in Management, is set to host the New Generation Asia Youth Conference 2024. This notable event will celebrate the third cohort of the 'WINSPIRATION' professional youth mentorship program and aims to tackle key issues facing Sri Lankan youth while offering them avenues for international engagement.

Established in 2019, New Generation Sri Lanka has been committed to fostering a culture of independence, professional networking, and accountability among youth. The organization consistently strives to create opportunities for youth recognition and empowerment, enabling young individuals to realize their full potential. In 2022, New Generation Sri Lanka introduced 'WINSPIRATION,' an innovative professional youth mentorship program. This program provides free mentorship from industry experts in areas such as personality building, employability, and entrepreneurship, equipping youth with the skills necessary to excel in a competitive global market.

Youth in Sri Lanka make up nearly a quarter of the population, with 4.64 million individuals aged 15 to 29 years. Despite this significant demographic, youth unemployment remains critically high at 23.5% as of 2021. The challenges faced by Sri Lankan youth include unemployment, educational disparities, and the difficult realities of working-class life, leading to youth unrest and a concerning brain drain. Recognizing these challenges, New Generation Sri Lanka has designed the upcoming conference to address not only youth-related issues but also the concerns of organizations struggling with a shortage of skilled employees and decision-makers worried about the loss of future leaders.

The conference will feature twenty-one industry experts and role models from Sri Lanka and beyond, bringing global knowledge and insights to local youth. The Chief Guest, Hon. (Dr.) Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education, will speak on 'The Role of Education in Shaping Youth Employment,' highlighting the essential role of education in addressing youth unemployment and skill development.

The conference includes an impressive lineup of keynote speakers: Peter D'Almeida will discuss "Ethics, Morals, Values, & Truth in a Complex World," Former National Cricketer Sidath Wettimuny will inspire with "Never Giving Up," Danu Innasithamby will share insights on "Forging Your Own Path: Thriving Against the Odds," Dr. Nirmal De Silva will explore "Entrepreneurship - Thriving Gig Economy," and Rasini Bandara will address "Navigating Emotions & Hormones - Mastering Challenges of Youth."

In addition to keynote speeches, the conference will feature three dynamic panel discussions:

• Identity & Diversity moderated by WIM Member Mayanthi Fernando, with panelists Kaushani Perera, Samurdhi Lakshani Perera, Gayantha Perera, and Santhosh Menon.
• Strategies for Enhancing Youth Employment through Education and Skill Development moderated by Sayumi Jayawardena (NG EX-CO Member), featuring Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Dissanayake, Achala Silva, Savini Tennakoon, and Thilini De Silva.
• Youth Travel Trends moderated by New Generation Chairman Kasun Sigera, with speakers Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, Prof. (Dr.) Suranga De Silva, Dr. Himalee De Silva, and Ashan Wijetileke.

The conference is chaired by Dr. Dilmika Srimal, an Ayurvedic Doctor from the University of Colombo and NG EX-CO Member, with Dr. Manisha Rodrigo, a leading youth entrepreneur and NG EX-CO Member, serving as the Deputy Lead.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder of New Generation Sri Lanka, emphasized the importance of addressing global solutions for local youth issues. “There is a pressing need to focus on positive solutions rather than the negativity surrounding youth issues. By organizing this conference, we aim to provide a platform where youth can find constructive solutions and opportunities for growth," she said.

For further details about the New Generation Asia Youth Conference, visit www.womeninmanagementawards.org

This conference promises to be a landmark event, addressing critical youth issues and paving the way for a brighter future for Sri Lankan youth through global mentorship and opportunities.