UNITED in Budapest to Shape the Future of Society 5.0
Emerging leaders from Asia and Europe gathered at the ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS) 2024 in Budapest from October 4–11 to discuss leadership in the framework of Society 5.0, a vision of a human-centered future that combines social progress and technology innovation. One of the participants was Eunice Ayen Ondo, a Delegate of UNITED, whose attendance at the summit represented the organization’s continued dedication towards promoting intercultural action through combating nationalism, racism, and discrimination.
The summit’s objectives strongly aligned with UNITED’s mission of bringing diverse groups across Europe together to achieve an inclusive society. As the world becomes more and more digitally connected, #ASEFYLS2024 aimed to provide participants with the leadership skills they need to navigate while highlighting the significance of upholding inclusive values.
Leadership and Intercultural Learning through Technology
The summit’s programs were designed to tackle leadership in different contexts and perspectives. Workshops encouraged participants to embrace mutual respect and trust within a culturally varied group and sessions focused on discussing the issues created by cultural differences, particularly in communication and leadership, also providing further practical tools for overcoming these gaps.
The summit also explored the intersection of digitalization and youth leadership, showing how cultural behaviors influence the way different regions and countries adopt and adapt to digital technologies. This conversation echoed UNITED’s work in empowering young people to use digital tools for positive social change.
The young leaders were also invited to imagine the future of a Society 5 in order to articulate their ideal vision of the future. Such exercise not only allowed for creative thinking but also grounded the discussion in the ethical and social dimensions of leadership. The vision: a future where technology upholds democratic values and human rights, reinforcing the call for a united, inclusive society.
The week-long summit concluded with a Cultural Evening, where attendees shared their own national customs, traditional attire, and local cuisine. Through music, dance, and storytelling, the event celebrated diversity—a core tenet of UNITED’s belief that intercultural understanding is key to overcoming prejudice and building unity.
Leadership Dialogues and Global Perspectives
One of the summit’s highlights was the Leadership Dialogue sessions, where young leaders had the opportunity to enter into discussions directly with senior figures from government, academia, and civil society in an open format that allowed them to ask questions and actively contribute their insights on pressing issues they tackle as young leaders themselves. The Senior-Junior Leadership Dialogue was a standout event, engaging them with a meaningful exchange with diplomats and ambassadors in an informal setting. With the prominent figures going around, table to table, the young leaders received tailored, valuable advice on how to engage with the political and civil society to make an impact on issues relevant to a Society 5.0 in their local contexts.
As digitalisation continues to transform societies, events like ASEFYLS provide a crucial platform for young leaders to develop the tools needed to guide their communities through complex global challenges. By integrating technology with principles of inclusion and diversity, youth leaders—alongside organizations like UNITED—are leading the charge in building a future where social justice, human rights, and solidarity are at the heart of technological progress.
