Revive, the youth forum to combat this economic crisis came into a triumphant conclusion

July, 29, 2022

Revive was a forum organized by AIESEC in University of Sri Jayewardenepura for the first time, focusing on the economic crisis of Sri Lanka with the aim of engaging youth in seeking solutions for the present economic problems.

AIESEC which is the world’s largest youth led organization, engages in giving opportunities to the youth by facilitating them in cross-cultural internship and volunteering exchanges with the prime objective of developing young leaders. Being one of the most outstanding Local Committees in Sri Lanka, AIESEC in University of Sri Jayewardenepura was able to successfully pull off Revive by setting a new benchmark for upcoming initiatives to come.

The forum was organized with the aim of empowering the youth towards responsible leadership for a better Sri Lanka through inspiring creative solutions by providing an open, politically-unbiased space, while mutually aligning with SDG 08; Decent Work and Economic Growth. It was held on the 13th of July 2022 with the participation of students, undergraduates and members of Youth Organizations at the DHPL Conference Center, Colombo.

Revive was graced with the presence of some remarkable personalities in Sri Lanka who gave their insights on the country’s economic downturn and educated the youth on how important their role is in the revival of the country. The forum started with a momentous session from the Keynote speaker, Mr. Peter D’Almeida who emphasized on the importance of the actions of the youth towards advocating for change as future leaders of this country.

“You need to be curious, one must understand the situation they have fallen into, in order to Revive from it” he said.

The keynote session was followed by a stimulating panel discussion which accompanied four notable and profound personalities; Mr. Dhananath Fernando, Dr. Dinesh Hamangoda , Mr. Heminda Jayaweera and Mr.Tharindu Ameresekere. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Ashinsanie Weerasinghe who made sure that the economic perceptions of the panelists were well delivered to the audience.

The Revive Magazine was the highlight of the forum where the opportunity was given to the youth and our partners to feature their thoughts on the official magazine regarding the current economic crisis and what can be done to address the situation. The magazine was compiled with 20+ articles and poems from revolutionary youth and messages from our partners as well. The official Revive Magazine was launched at the event day and was distributed among the speakers and other guests. With over 1.8k livestream views, 330+ delegate registrations, 5 Community Partners and marketing that was done through digital, electronic and print media platforms, Revive was pulled off proving the impact it created among the youth.

The forum would have not turned out to be successful if not for the benevolent partners of Revive, Strategic Partner Hemas Consumer Brands, the Professional Education Partner CIMA Sri Lanka, Wisdom Business Academy and PrintXcel Group as Deluxe Partners, Empowerment Partner, Curve Up followed by the Media Partners, Ada Derana Business and Good PR, Print Media Partner Ceylon Today, Digital Media Partner Arteculate Asia. The forum was also accompanied by Ada Derana 24 as the Official Electronic Media Partner while Japura Flames contributed as the University Media Partner along with Eclipse Motion as the Live streaming Partner. Gratitude also goes to the Magazine partner, Aitken Spence Printing and Packaging, Stationery Partner Sadeepa Bookshop and Printing Partner WeAds followed by generous banner, food and gift partners of Revive that supported to effectively execute the forum.

Given the dreadful situation prevailing in the country, organizing and executing events is indeed a challenge. Being an innovative and timely initiative, Revive managed to leap from these challenges by reaching new heights and set a standard for upcoming events yet again proving the excellence of AIESEC in University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

If anyone wants to bring a change in the system, the first option is to get educated about it. Youth have a role to revive the current status of our country by bringing forward solutions that would address the issues pertaining in the economy. As a youth-led organization, AIESEC created the ideal platform for this through Revive. We are certain that the impact Revive created among the youth will eventually push Sri Lanka to a better tomorrow.