Date: 27th - 30th December 2024
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Eligibility: Ages 13-17
Early Bird Deadline: 15th Sept 2024
Early Bird Offer: AED 4000 + VAT
Venue: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Master core leadership skills for college, career, and life
Harvard Mentorship: A Year of Free Guidance and Learning
Unleash your leadership Potential through a Social Impact Project
Certificate of Accomplishment
You are eager to develop leadership potential
You want to be confident in sharing your thoughts and speaking in public
You aspire to address a societal issue through effective problem-solving skills
You wish to enhance your networking skills
You are motivated to take on a leadership role
You wish to be a part of a community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion
YLC is led by Harvard undergraduate students who are leaders in their own communities. Differentiating this program are the student teachers and their youthful perspective on leadership development. Reliable and relatable, the teachers serve as advisors and friends to the students, breaking down intimidating age-based authority structures. With tremendous enthusiasm for both teaching and learning, the teaching team constantly learns from the students, adapts to their interests and needs, and builds lasting relationships that continue after the program through formal and informal mentorship opportunities.
Jonada is a sophomore in Eliot House from Albania. She is concentrating in Government studies, which includes conflict in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, as well as a citation in Russian. On campus, she has been part of the organizing committee for Model United Nations and the Harvard Albanian Students Association. She spent a gap year exploring her interests in public health, gender equality, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Jonada loves and has years of experience mentoring young students on leadership and related topics, mentoring three YLC conferences the past summer. She is passionate about women rights and educational equity, and during her free time she loves to read, journal, and travel.
Donia graduated from Harvard in May 2023 with a concentration in Government + Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and a secondary in Economics. She is now working full-time at Microsoft in a business role. At Harvard she was involved in Model United Nations and served in various roles,including secretary-general of one of the conferences. She was also involved with a teaching program at a local high-school, teaching once a week, and loved interacting with the students. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis and trying new recipes.
Mateo is a junior at Leverett House from Virginia, United States. At Harvard he is pursuing a joint-concentration in Computer Science and Government with a secondary in Theatre. On campus he has been involved with Harvard Primus, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Leadership Institute at Harvard College, Harvard Undergraduate Admissions Council, Act on a Dream, Harvard College Interfaith Forum, Harvard MIT Math Tournament, Harvard Gaming Group, and the Harvard Institute of Politics. He wishes to spread awareness of pertinent and enriching principles for college by guiding and mentoring prospective students. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends, mountain biking, watching anime, tinkering with tech, and playing board games with family.
Ashley is a sophomore in Eliot House from Washington, D.C. His academic focus lies in Electrical Engineering, fueled by an avid interest in the intersection of A.I. and consumer electronics. Alongside his studies, Ashley actively contributes to campus life. He is a keyplayer on the Men's Club Volleyball Team and an associate at Harvard College Consulting Group. Additionally, he's an engaged member of the Generational African American Students Association and the Black Student Association. Ashley aspires to impact younger students by emphasizing the power of planning and having a clear vision for success. He believes that roadmap combined with determination paves the way for boundless achievement. During his free time he enjoys thrifting, watching movies with friends, and playing volleyball.
Edona is a junior in Eliot House from New York City. She's concentrating in Government with a secondary in Economics. On campus, she's Co-President of the Harvard Undergraduate Albanian Students Association, Senior Director of the Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative, Social Director of the PBHA Small Claims Advisory Service, SEAS Administration Senior Staff Writer, and a member of the Harvard College Debating Union. She hopes to positively impact younger students through such a formative period of their educational career. As part of the teaching team she aspires to express how valuable leadership and education is. During her free time, she enjoys reading a good book, meeting new people, and trying out new restaurants!
Jamal is a senior in Quincy House from Chicago and Palestine. He is concentrating in social studies, especially the economic development in the Middle East. Jamal is also the co-chair of the Arab Conference at Harvard and is a member of the Harvard Islamic Society. During his free time he enjoys playing guitar and oud, biking, and cooking!
Namira is a junior in Winthrop House from New York City, USA. She is concentrating in Chemistry and secondary in Sociology and has a passion for medicine. On campus, she is the president of the Bengali Association of Students at Harvard College, director of Indigo Peer Counseling, treasurer of Harvard Menstrual Equity Coalition, and external relations chair for PRIMUS, an organisation for first-generation students. She hopes to make a difference in the lives of the younger students at an early age. She is passionate about teaching them social and leadership skills crucial in shaping them to be who they are. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places in the city and watching movies with her friends and family.
Jack Swanson graduated from Harvard College in May 2022, where he studied English and Governmental studies. While at Harvard, Jack served on the Undergraduate Council as Treasurer, and competed on the Mock Trial Association. He is a graduate of the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, and has taught a course on public speaking in Beijing, China. Jack recently earned his MPhil in Political Sociology from the University of Cambridge, where he attended as the Harvard Scholar in Emmanuel College. In his free time, Jack enjoys backpacking, climbing, and speedcubing.
The Harvard Young Leaders Conference (YLC) is a prestigious and transformative event designed to bring together exceptional young individuals from around the world to foster leadership, academic excellence, and global collaboration. The Winter 2024 edition, hosted in the vibrant cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), promises to be an inspiring and educational experience for students, professionals, and young leaders eager to engage with like-minded peers and renowned experts.
The Harvard Young Leaders Conference (YLC) is a global series of leadership conferences initiated by Harvard University, one of the world’s foremost institutions for higher learning. The event serves as an intensive leadership training and development program, combining Harvard's exceptional academic pedigree with the dynamic, rapidly growing cultural and economic landscape of the UAE.
The Winter 2024 Harvard YLC will take place in the UAE, known for its futuristic architecture, thriving business ecosystem, and diverse population. The event spans several days, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, offering attendees an exclusive chance to experience the region’s diverse culture, progressive policies, and innovative solutions firsthand.
Dubai, often regarded as the "City of the Future," is an iconic location for the Harvard YLC. Known for its cutting-edge architecture, luxury shopping, and economic prowess, the city also prides itself on its focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Attendees in Dubai will explore how global leadership intersects with business, technology, and innovation, benefiting from keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with influential local and international leaders.
Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, offers a perfect blend of traditional culture and modernity. Known for its thriving arts scene, world-class museums, and commitment to sustainable development, Abu Dhabi is an ideal setting for leadership discussions centered around cultural diplomacy, social responsibility, and global peace-building. Participants in Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to engage with key figures in both government and private sectors, gaining invaluable insights into policy development and leadership in a globalized world.
Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, is renowned for its commitment to education, arts, and cultural exchange. The city provides a more intimate setting for the Harvard YLC, where attendees can engage in deeper, more focused discussions on leadership, innovation, and community building. Sharjah’s emphasis on sustainable development, arts, and education makes it an ideal location to reflect on the role of leadership in shaping societies.
The Harvard YLC Winter 2024 program is a comprehensive leadership experience that goes beyond traditional academic conferences. It blends:
The conference is designed to enhance participants' leadership skills through a variety of workshops, seminars, and group activities. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, such as:
These programs will be led by Harvard-trained instructors and experts from various fields who will share their insights into what it means to lead in the 21st century.
The Harvard YLC attracts a distinguished group of keynote speakers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and global change-makers. Participants will have access to exclusive networking sessions, where they can engage with renowned experts, entrepreneurs, government officials, and academics from various sectors. These interactions will offer valuable mentorship opportunities, fostering connections that may last far beyond the event itself.
One of the highlights of the conference will be the panel discussions on pressing global issues, such as climate change, social equity, global health, technology and innovation, and economic development. These panels will feature high-profile experts, thought leaders, and industry pioneers who will discuss solutions and strategies for addressing these challenges. Additionally, interactive workshops will offer participants the chance to delve deeper into specific subjects and gain practical skills to apply in their leadership roles.
The UAE is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, and the YLC Winter 2024 aims to immerse participants in the region's unique culture. Through social events, local excursions, and cultural activities, participants will get the chance to experience the UAE's heritage, hospitality, and modernity. Whether it’s exploring the famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or the historical attractions in Sharjah, these experiences will deepen participants’ understanding of the region and its global significance.
The Harvard YLC is open to highly motivated students and young professionals between the ages of 16 and 25. While the event is academically rigorous, it also emphasizes personal growth, social responsibility, and global engagement. Applicants are typically required to submit:
The selection process is highly competitive, as participants are chosen based on their leadership potential, academic record, and passion for global issues.
The Harvard YLC Winter 2024 in the UAE is an unparalleled opportunity to:
The Harvard Young Leaders Conference (YLC) Winter 2024 is set to be an inspiring and impactful event that brings together young leaders from across the world to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. With a robust program that blends academic excellence with real-world leadership experience, attendees will leave equipped with the tools and mindset needed to drive positive change and impact in their communities and beyond.
For those looking to make meaningful connections, gain unparalleled leadership insights, and be part of a global community of change-makers, the Harvard YLC Winter 2024 offers an opportunity not to be missed.
