Pasona Group and UNDP train young leaders on storytelling and branding

Pasona Group and the UN Development Programme held a virtual masterclass on Aug. 27 for young fellows from Africa, Japan and beyond, focused on storytelling, personal branding and leadership. The session linked 55 participants and underscored a broader push to build cross-cultural leadership pipelines.

Why it matters: - The session aimed to strengthen leadership skills that help young professionals communicate clearly, build trust and expand their influence across borders. - The collaboration connects talent from Africa, Japan and other regions around shared goals tied to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. - Pasona Group is using Awaji Island as a base for regional revitalization and global talent development.

What happened: - Pasona Group Inc. and the United Nations Development Programme held a joint virtual Leadership Series masterclass on Aug. 27. - The session brought together fellows from the Awaji Youth Federation, supported by Pasona Group, and the UNDP African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme. - The event focused on storytelling, personal branding and leadership. - It included 45 AfYWL fellows and 10 AYF fellows and alumni.

The details: - Awaji Youth Federation launched in 2017 as a global fellowship program and community. - More than 100 young professionals, creatives and innovators from more than 50 countries and regions have gathered on Awaji Island in western Japan through the program. - Akemi Aota, president of the Awaji Youth Federation and an executive officer at Pasona Group, welcomed the AfYWL fellows on behalf of the two organizations. - Aota said the fellows represent women who will help shape Africa’s future. - Rania Hadra, regional advisor at UNDP’s Regional Programme for Africa, said leadership depends on a clear vision, mutual trust and the ability to bring people together for tangible outcomes. - Mimi Kalinda, group CEO and co-founder of Africa Communications Media Group, led the session and discussed storytelling as a leadership tool for trust, public perception and collective action. - Kalinda said a personal brand is shaped by what others say about a person when that person is not in the room. - The masterclass was part of the AfYWL Programme’s Leadership Series, which pairs fellows with leaders and experts through practical learning, candid conversations and peer exchange.

Between the lines: - The event shows how leadership training is becoming more global and more skills-based, with emphasis on communication rather than job title alone. - The partnership also reinforces a shared message around cross-cultural exchange, workforce development and social impact, not just individual career advancement. - Pasona Group’s role on Awaji Island suggests the company is linking local revitalization efforts with international talent networks.

What's next: - UNDP, AYF and Pasona Group say their collaboration will continue around emerging leaders and cross-cultural learning. - The African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme will keep developing African women leaders through professional experience, mentorship and opportunities to contribute to sustainable development. - The Awaji Youth Federation will continue bringing together young professionals focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and community development. - More information is available at the AfYWL programme, Awaji Youth Federation, UNDP and Pasona Group.

The bottom line: - The masterclass paired leadership training with international network-building, positioning communication skills as a practical tool for the next generation of women and global changemakers.