Originally published at The Crux
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An ambitious program for young people across Asia is training participants to champion justice, human rights and solidarity on the continent.
The inaugural Asian Youth Leadership Academy (AYLA) 2026, held from 24-30 June, 2026 at the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The event brought together young leaders and young professionals from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Under the theme “Leading Change for Justice and Solidarity in Asia,” the Academy provided a unique platform for dialogue, learning and collaboration among young people from diverse cultures, faiths and professional backgrounds.
The event was organized by the IYTC in collaboration with the North South Initiative, Pax Romana International Movement of Catholic Students, the Communal Life of Love and Unity of the Mountain People Foundation, and Life Skills Academy
The week-long AYLA program aimed to strengthen ethical leadership while encouraging young people to respond to the social realities facing Asia with compassion, courage and solidarity.
“Asia is home to extraordinary diversity,” William Nokrek, international head of the Pax Romana movement told Crux Now.
“We have rich cultures, languages, religions, and traditions,” Nokrek said.
“At the same time,” he noted, “many communities continue to face
