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r. Leila Naderi, Founder and Co-Chair of the San Diego–Yokohama Leadership Academy (SYLA), joined KUSI’s Good Business San Diego to share the vision behind SYLA and how we are building on nearly 70 years of friendship between San Diego and Yokohama.

As Leila shared, people-to-people diplomacy has the power to bring communities together across cultures, generations, and borders. Through SYLA, we’re carrying that legacy forward and creating new opportunities for leaders from Japan and the United States to connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships.

The conversation also highlighted our inaugural SYLA Leadership Retreat on November 15 at Alliant International University, part of the Yokohama Festival San Diego.

🎥 Watch the full KUSI interview and learn more about the vision for the next 70 years of San Diego–Yokohama friendship.

🌏 Learn more about SYLA: https://sy-la.org

#SYLA #SanDiegoYokohama #YokohamaFestival #SanDiego #Yokohama #Leadership #PeopleToPeopleDiplomacy #GlobalLeadership #Peacebuilding

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he San Diego–Yokohama Leadership Academy (SYLA) is proud to announce its partnership with Alliant University, which will host the inaugural SYLA Leadership Retreat on November 15, 2026, at its San Diego campus.

Part of Yokohama Festival San Diego, the retreat will bring together leaders and changemakers from Japan, the United States, and beyond to deepen collaboration, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and build meaningful connections.

Today, on the United Nations International Day of Friendship, we are proud to announce the launch of the San Diego–Yokohama Leadership Academy (SYLA)!

SYLA is the first leadership innovation ecosystem built on the Yoga for Leadership® framework and inspired by the enduring principles of the Sister Cities movement and people-to-people diplomacy.

Designed to empower leaders, bridge cultures, foster global collaboration, and promote peace, SYLA offers immersive leadership retreats, hands-on workshops, and transformative programs that bring people together across cultures, sectors, and communities.

True solutions to tomorrow’s challenges start with trust, understanding, and connection. We are thrilled to begin this journey and build the next generation of global leadership together.

Save the Date: Inaugural SYLA Leadership Retreat

📅 November 15, 2026
📍 San Diego, California

The inaugural SYLA Leadership Retreat will take place on November 15 in San Diego as part of the Yokohama Festival San Diego, celebrating 70 years of friendship between San Diego and Yokohama.

More exciting announcements are on the way. Stay tuned!