The 12th annual summit of the Asia 21 Young Leaders Network convened in Melbourne from November 28 to December 1, 2017— the first time Asia Society’s signature Young Leaders Initiative was held in Australia and presented in partnership with the Victorian Government. Even before the formal summit proceedings got underway, the incoming members of the Asia 21 Network were showered with praise. “We are in absolute awe,” said The Hon. Linda Dessau, governor of the state of Victoria, who graciously hosted a reception and garden party at Government House.   Deputy Premier of Victoria James Merlino pronounced himself “truly impressed” when he officially welcomed the Class of 2017 to the Victorian Parliament.  Former Australian Foreign Minister and Asia Society Global Council Member Gareth Evans opened a keynote address by welcoming “this extraordinary, alarmingly distinguished group of young leaders.” 

Selected through a highly competitive process based on outstanding achievement, commitment to public service, and a proven ability to make the world a better place, thirty young professionals from 20 nations made up the Asia 21 Class of 2017. They were joined in Melbourne by around 50 alumni of the network, which brings together the next generation of leaders in government, business, arts, media, and the nonprofit sector to collectively tackle a range of regional as well as global issues. This year’s theme was “World Disrupted: Asia's Future” and the summit featured special sessions that specifically addressed upheavals in the fields of politics, media, technology and the environment and their wide-ranging implications.