August 12, 2026 | 09:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sixteen young women from across Indonesia joined women CEOs, senior business leaders, government representatives, and Heads of United Nations agencies today at the closing event of the 'CEO for a Day Indonesia: Women Shaping Tomorrow' program.
This program is a youth shadowing and mentorship initiative jointly organized by the United Nations in Indonesia, AmCham Indonesia Women Network, and the UN Global Compact Network Indonesia (IGCN).
Held to commemorate International Youth Day, the Leadership Forum today celebrated the achievements of the participants while reaffirming the shared commitment to empower young women through leadership, mentorship and meaningful opportunities to grow.
“Today we come together to leverage the power of women to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Gita Sabharwal, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, as quoted from a press release received by Tempo on Wednesday, August 12.
“By bringing generations of women leaders together, we can advance inclusion, equality and opportunity, and help shape a more sustainable future for Indonesia.”
The sixteen participants were selected through a competitive process based on their leadership potential, motivation, and commitment to creating positive impact. They were paired with 15 women CEOs, senior executives, and heads of United Nations agencies and gained first-hand insight into leadership, organizational culture, career development, and decision-making.
One of the participants was 24-year-old Dhea Umi Amalia, who believed that her experience during the CEO for a Day program reinforced her belief that a person’s background should not determine how far they can go.
“To first-generation women out there: don’t let where you come from determine where you end up. Dare to dream big, seek out mentors, and keep investing in yourself,” she said.
Meanwhile, Donna Priadi, the Managing Director of AmCham Indonesia, one of the participating organizations, said the CEO for a Day program gave young women the chance to see leadership "as it is actually practiced." This encompasses the challenges, the difficult decisions and the responsibility behind every position.
"Leadership cannot be learned from textbooks alone. It grows through exposure, experience, curiosity and the courage to ask questions," Donna added.
The closing event featured participant reflections, a leadership talk show, a recognition ceremony, and an interactive “Ask the Leaders” session, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with women leaders from the private sector and the United Nations.
“The private sector has both an opportunity and a responsibility to help build the next generation of women leaders,” said Y. W. Junardy, President of the UN Global Compact Network Indonesia.
“Gender equality must go beyond commitments on paper. Companies need to create inclusive workplaces, strengthen women’s leadership pipelines, provide meaningful mentorship, and ensure that women have equal opportunities to advance.”
Launched in June 2026, CEO for a Day Indonesia invited young women aged 18–25 who had contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals through volunteering, education, climate action, entrepreneurship, advocacy, innovation, or community initiatives. Selected participants were given the opportunity to accompany women leaders, join meetings, observe decision-making, and have candid conversations about leadership, challenges, and purpose.
Through CEO for a Day Indonesia, the organizers hope to inspire more institutions to invest in youth leadership and contribute to a future in which women are equally represented at all levels of leadership and decision-making.
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