Since foundation of GYLA, over 1200 outstanding participants from about fifty universities have benefited from GYLA programs. Some of the participants have been recruited to work as interns and consultants in the UN agencies, some of them continue to study in the global elite universities, and some began to start up their own social and green businesses. GYLAers’ success stories demonstrate the power of GYLA way to leadership in action.
I became a GYLAer in 2018. It is GYLA who inspired and empowered me to grow into a young leader. Since 2019, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to manage GYLA program. The knowlege and experience I have accumulated during staying with GYLA has improved management and leadership competence, and I was able to join UNESCO as junior program officer in 2022. GYLA is a unique platform which prepare talented youth with a global mindset, knowledge, and skills for social change. GYLA is the society of young people who are willing to give love and care to our planet and society.
In as much as challenges do exist at certain points, the desire to see change has always kept me going. Attending GYLA has and will always be a precious gift which I pledge to jealously guard and make good use of. This opportunity to acquire knowledge and make friends is totally priceless. Life has been breathed on my dreams and now I have a clear picture of what my contribution to the world is. Thank you, GYLA, for believing in us, thank you for giving us the opportunity to make a contribution to the world today and for generations to come. The program has equipped and positioned me for better leadership.
Coming from a country classified as underdeveloped, I know the information I have gained has been gold because I now hold keys to change in my hands. Through the fountains of Chinese wisdom that we got from Dr. Liangrong Zu to the depth-filled inspiration from other experts, my mind was filled with so much insight. I was particularly interested in the Chinese wisdom because I had never heard of it before. The existence of GYLA is an opportunity itself. All in all, I can say that the GYLA is a sustainable achievement and a lifelong opportunity for all who have taken part so far. Thank you, GYLA, for this life-changing experience.
Attending the GYLA has reinforced my standpoint… I learned, even though our cultures and values differ, we have a few things in common: the wish to contribute to a better world. And already now, I feel like I am 1% closer to reach the goal of becoming a leader and making the world a safe place. I have often faced the problem to find the strength to do something, but I believe attending GYLA is the first step to take my own initiative.
I was member of GYLA family and felt honored to be a part of it, because it was the first time I have been fully introduced to the 2030 Agendas for Sustainable Development. GYLA enhanced my ability on leadership and multicultural communication systematically. GYLA in my mind, is one of the best programs for the youth to learn about how to drive social change regardless what kind of professional career they decide to pursue in the future.
Since 2018, the China Scholarship Council has sponsored a number of outstanding college students from top Chinese universities to work for GYLA as visiting fellows in Turin, Italy. GYLA has shaped the visiting fellows to be a new generation of young leaders we want. I hope that GYLA will be able to make more contributions to youth leadership development for international community in the future.
As a Chinese university with aspiration, patriotism and commitment, Zhejiang University (ZJU) has been focusing on global talent development. In 2016, ZJU began the cooperation with GYLA. As a participant and witness of the cooperation, I am deeply impressed. GYLA is created with height. GYLA has curricula in depth. GYLA is scholastic in breadth. GYLA is nourishing in warmth. GYLA is a warm and friendly family for all!
Shandong University and GYLA have become good friends and partners in the field of international talent development. GYLA's values reflect in what college students have achieved. GYLA provides students with a window of opportunity to understand the world better. GYLA opens a new door for students to dream bigger. GYLA offers a cradle for students to nurture themselves as future leaders. GYLA has cultivated dreamers.
