Transformative journey at inaugural YoungShip Global Leadership Summit

The inaugural YoungShip Global Leadership Summit (YGLS) concluded in Sri Lanka on 18 November 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the maritime industry and its emerging professionals. A YoungShip International event held for the first time in Asia, the three-day Summit brought together emerging leaders, seasoned professionals, and global experts, highlighting youth's pivotal role in shaping the maritime world's future. With its core theme surrounding emerging leadership in the international maritime trade, the event underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in a rapidly evolving industry.

With its rich maritime history and location along key trade routes, Sri Lanka served as the ideal backdrop for the inaugural YGLS 2024. As such, the Summit showcased the country as a key maritime hub, blending its cultural vibrancy with its growing influence in the global maritime sector. From engaging discussions on industry trends to immersive local experiences, YGLS celebrated both professional and cultural exchange, solidifying Sri Lanka's position on the global maritime map.

Sports, heritage, and culture: Welcoming the world to YGLS 2024

The first day of the Summit kicked off with a golf tournament at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, providing participants an opportunity to bond over sports while fostering camaraderie with Sri Lanka’s Maritime Golf Community. This was followed by a Colombo city tour, which introduced international attendees to the city’s iconic landmarks and heritage, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history, as well as modern development.

The day culminated in a spectacular opening ceremony at Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, an authentic Sri Lankan village-style venue. Attendees were treated to traditional cuisine, music, and cultural performances, setting a warm and vibrant tone for the days ahead. The opening remarks by YGLS Chairperson and YoungShip Sri Lanka Chair Maleena Awn, and YoungShip International Chair Keshia Janssens, emphasised the Summit’s mission to empower emerging maritime professionals to lead the industry into the future with resilience and innovation.

Exploring trends, building networks: An insightful and inspiring second day 

17 November began with a breakfast hosted by WISTA Sri Lanka (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association), spotlighting gender equality and the critical role of women in maritime leadership. This session underscored the importance of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a robust and innovative maritime industry.

Afterwards, attendees visited Port City Colombo – a landmark development redefining Sri Lanka's position as a global maritime and logistics hub. The site visit provided insights into how infrastructure and technology are shaping the future of maritime trade in the region.

The heart of the Summit was the conference, featuring distinguished speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions at the Kingsbury, Colombo. Topics included:

• Global economic trends in shipping: Exploring the economic forces driving the industry.
• Innovation driven by the need for a progressive maritime industry: Highlighting technological advancements and their impact on maritime operations.
• Human resources in a changing maritime landscape – skills needed by future generations: Addressing the evolving skillsets required to thrive in the industry. 

These panels and keynotes encompassed discussions on sustainability, digital transformation, and strategic leadership; equipping participants with practical tools and insights, empowering them to tackle industry challenges and drive meaningful change. The conference was also complemented by a series of cultural dance performances between panel discussions, adding a unique touch of Sri Lankan entertainment to the event. 

Celebrating 20 years of YoungShip International

The conference was followed by the anniversary gala dinner of YoungShip International commemorating 20 years of empowering emerging professionals in the maritime industry. The evening was nothing short of spectacular; with a perfect blend of celebration, networking, and entertainment. Participants from across the globe came together to honour two decades of achievements, forge new connections, and create memories to last a lifetime.

Signing off with collaborative leadership and a celebration of success

The final day began at the Radisson Blue, Galle, with the YoungShip International board meeting, where leaders discussed strategies to further strengthen the global network and expand its impact.

This was followed by an inspiring leadership program conducted by Vidusha Nathavitharana, a renowned leadership coach. Participants engaged in interactive discussions aimed at developing the skills and mindset required to lead with confidence, vision, and empathy.

The Summit concluded with a grand closing dinner hosted in collaboration with CASA (Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents). The dinner celebrated the success of the Summit and the vibrant maritime community it brought together. Attendees reflected on the insights gained, the connections made, and the inspiration to drive the global industry forward.

At its core, YGLS 2024 was a transformative platform for empowering young maritime professionals. It addressed the need for a forward-thinking, diverse, and inclusive leadership that can navigate the challenges of an ever-changing global maritime landscape. By equipping participants with knowledge, skills, and networks, the Summit set the stage for the emerging leaders to make a lasting impact on the industry. By addressing pressing issues like digital transformation, climate change, and workforce development, YGLS provided actionable insights that attendees could bring back to their organisations and communities.

As the first event of its kind in Asia, YGLS 2024 has set a high benchmark for future Summits. It leaves behind a legacy of empowered youth, strengthened global networks, and a shared vision for a sustainable, innovative maritime industry. Moreover, it not only highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential as a maritime hub driving progress, but also introduced the country as an emerging tourist destination to the visiting delegates.

The success of YGLS 2024 is a testament to the dedication of YoungShip International, YoungShip Sri Lanka, and the numerous partners and sponsors who made the event possible – Platinum Sponsor – Meridian Maritime Services Ltd; Gold Sponsor – Hayleys Advantis; Silver Sponsors – McLarens Group of Companies, Pacific International Lines Ltd., Prime Lands Residences PLC; Bronze Sponsors – Colombo International Container Terminal Limited (CICT), Evergreen Line, Inchcape Mackinnon Mackenzie Shipping Ltd., and MAC Holdings Ltd.; Support Associations – Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA Sri Lanka) and Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA); Training and Development Partner – Ceyline Group; and Education Partner –  Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College (CINEC) Sri Lanka; Tour Partner - Helanka Vacations, and all other valuable sponsors, along with the endorsement by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, whose contributions have made this stellar event an enormous success.

As attendees return to their respective countries, they carry with them not only memories of Sri Lanka’s warmth and hospitality but also the tools and inspiration to lead the maritime industry into a brighter future.