YLFers enjoying some outdoor time

With U.S.-China relations taking on increasing importance in all spheres of life – economic, geopolitical, cultural – it becomes ever more vital to seek out opportunities that will enhance the dialogue between our countries and build lasting ties between our peoples.

The Young Leaders Forum (YLF), now in its tenth year, provides an excellent opportunity to do just that. Each year, YLF holds a 3½-day retreat to which a select group of exceptional American and Chinese young professionals are invited. Together, participants explore substantive issues and develop enduring friendships in a casual, intimate environment.

The 2011 Forum, a celebration of YLF's first decade, was held in Xi'an and had a theme of "YLF Time Capsule.” Fellows brought and discussed items they were interested in contributing to a YLF Time Capsule to be opened in 25 years. The objects were all relevant to YLF’s ten-year history – the experiences Fellows have had, the insights they've gained, the people they've met, etc.

YLF Fellows come from a variety of fields. Fellows include government officials and politicians, authors, university leaders, entrepreneurs, and musicians and artists. Attention is given to geographic, gender, and ethnic diversity. Please look inside the "Members" drawer at right for an alphabetical listing of all YLF participants since the program's inception.

The National Committee, the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), and the Forum's sponsors – led on the U.S. side by ACE Charitable Foundation this year – cover all lodging, food, and program costs of the YLF retreat, which alternate between a U.S. and China locale. Participants are asked to pay their own travel expenses to and from the venue, but some full or partial subsidies are available.