July 4, 2024 - The UNDP African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme, in collaboration with the Awaji Youth Federation (AYF) of the Pasona Group, successfully hosted a transformative virtual workshop aimed at enhancing leadership and networking skills for 58 young global fellows. This event represents a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration and developing critical skills essential for both, personal and professional growth.

The interactive workshop brought together 36 fellows from the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship, who recently embarked on their fellowship journey, and 22 fellows from the Awaji Youth Federation Fellowship, who were nearing the completion of their program. The session was designed to equip participants with essential networking skills crucial for advancing their careers both during and after their fellowships.

This joint effort by UNDP and the Pasona Group aimed to create a robust network and share best practices among participants from Africa, Japan and beyond. By equipping fellows with critical skills, the program facilitates their integration into global business environments and promotes cross-cultural exchange, aligning with the shared vision of empowering youth, promoting leadership, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Facilitated by Ms. Chiedza Mutsaka Skyum, Program Director at beVisioneers: the Mercedes Benz Fellowship, the workshop focused on developing leadership and networking skills through key leadership traits, effective networking techniques, and crafting compelling personal pitches. Fellows engaged in group activities, storytelling exercises, and role-play scenarios to practice and refine these skills. 

Additionally, the workshop emphasized peer learning and collaboration through interactive discussions and experience sharing, helping participants build a strong, supportive global network. Fellows also explored online networking tools, specifically LinkedIn features and best practices, enhancing their profiles and connecting with peers to enhance their online presence.

Speaking at the session's opening, Ms. Elizabeth Masamune, PSM, President of AYF and Senior Executive Adviser of the Pasona Group, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “At the Pasona Group, we are thrilled to support this initiative. We are confident that it will not only enhance your skills but also forge lasting connections and create memorable experiences for each one of you during this fellowship.”

Jide Okeke, Regional Programme Coordinator at UNDP, highlighted the fellowship's importance, stating, "This fellowship is about building a supportive network that will help you navigate both professional and personal challenges. Seize this opportunity to form lasting connections and embark on a journey of partnership and effectiveness." 

Chika Kondoh, TICAD Partnership Specialist at UNDP, emphasized that "The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) has fostered partnerships between Japan, Africa, and the global community. Celebrating its 30th anniversary as a co-organizer, UNDP is evolving its mission to focus on youth empowerment and leadership development. By investing in youth and nurturing their leadership skills, we are building a valuable asset for the future and power of Youth."

The session emphasized the importance of facilitating cross-learning and collaboration between AYF and AfYWL Fellows as they networked, exchanged ideas, and learnt together about leadership and effective networking. The successful execution of this workshop reinforces the shared objective of the UNDP AfYWL Fellowship Programme and the Awaji Youth Federation of the Pasona Group to cultivate a robust network of future leaders and innovators. 

Looking ahead, this collaboration will continue to emphasize leadership development and immersive experiences for fellows while enhancing partnerships between Pasona Group and UNDP to drive mutual growth and innovation through Fellowship Programmes.

About the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme: 

The African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme seeks to cultivate a new generation of young African women leaders to serve Africa and the world through the design and implementation of development programmes in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063. Link

About the Awaji Youth Federation (AYF) Fellowship Program: 

The AYF Fellowship nurtures global talent and creates a diverse community of young professionals bringing innovative ideas to Awaji Island, Japan. It offers a platform for fellows to develop their projects in line with Pasona Group's vision of making Awaji Island a global hub for Innovation, Arts and Culture, Wellness, and Regional Revitalization. Link

About UNDP:

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow @UNDP and @UNDPAfrica.

About Pasona Group Inc.:

The Pasona Group is a Japanese multinational corporation specializing in human resource services. Founded in 1976, the company provides a wide range of services, including temporary staffing, permanent placement, and outsourcing. The Pasona Group aims to address labor shortages, foster diverse work environments, and support workforce development through various initiatives and programs, while solving social issues, such as promoting gender equality and creating inclusive workspaces, and has engaged in a broad range of initiatives on Awaji Island aimed at promoting regional revitalization.