Where Leadership Becomes Global Impact!
As the San Diego–Yokohama Sister City Society prepares to celebrate 70 years of partnership through the Yokohama Festival San Diego, we are proud to announce the launch of the San Diego Yokohama Leadership Academy (SYLA) on July 30, 2026, the United Nations International Day of Friendship—celebrating how friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
SYLA is the first leadership innovation ecosystem grounded in sister city principles (people-to-people diplomacy) and Yoga for Leadership framework designed to connect leaders and change-makers, bridge cultures, foster collaboration, and promote peace by creating customized leadership retreats, workshops and events to:
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Strengthen collaboration between the U.S, San Diego, Japan, Yokohama, and global community by developing leadership pipelines and connecting current and emerging leaders
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Foster stronger partnerships between academia, government, industry, and community organizations
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Create opportunities for talent exchange, mentorship, career exploration, and global learning
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Advance entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, innovation, and social impact initiatives
Upcoming Program!
SYLA Leadership Retreat 2026
Date: November 15, 2026, 1-5:30pm PST
Location: TBA, San Diego
Exciting Announcement Coming Soon!
SYLA is partnering with a distinguished university in San Diego as a host institution, more details coming soon!
This leadership retreat will bring together leaders, change-makers, government, and executives from Japan, the U.S., and beyond in a structured, customized, and high-impact program grounded in sister city principles and Yoga For Leadership framework. SYLA Leadership Retreat 2026 is part of the broader Yokohama Festival San Diego, a multi-day program including:Reception dinner, Trade show, Half-day leadership retreat.
SYLA Leadership Retreat 2026 includes:
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Leadership talks & panels
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Collaborative team-building activities
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Nature-based reflection and and mind-body practices
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Structured networking circles to foster cross-cultural understanding and strategic collaboration
This program is a highly curated leadership retreat with intentionally limited seats and sponsorship opportunities. Join the interest list for priority access when registration opens.
