Leadership and entrepreneurial skills are essential for students to drive meaningful change in society. Through the Future Leaders for Impact program, the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU) of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), in collaboration with Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES!) 2026, encourages students to strengthen their leadership capabilities, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset, with a focus on sustainability and social impact.
The Future Leaders for Impact program, held on Saturday (October 31, 2026), at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM, was part of the YES! 2026 series of events, which carried the overarching theme Genesis of Possibilities. This theme reflects the spirit of exploring new possibilities by transforming ideas and creativity into entrepreneurial innovations that generate tangible benefits for society and the environment.
Chairperson of YES! 2026, Dimas Aji Pinilih, expressed his hope that this year’s YES! would provide FEB UGM students with new experiences while encouraging them to understand the role of entrepreneurship in creating social impact.
Head of CSDU FEB UGM, Dewi Fatmawati, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized that the program offers students an opportunity to explore business ideas that go beyond financial profit and contribute positively to society.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Management Student Association (IKAMMA) FEB UGM, Aurellia Lysandra, also expressed her appreciation for the organization of YES! 2026. According to her, the emphasis on social impact is one of the distinguishing features of this year’s event. She hoped the program would open new opportunities for students to develop their potential and gain valuable experience throughout the series of activities.
One of the program’s main highlights was the Future Leaders for Impact Pitching Session. Through mentoring sessions and a bootcamp, participants received guidance on developing business ideas grounded in the principles of the circular economy, sustainability, and social impact. These learning activities encouraged participants to design innovative solutions that not only generate economic value but also promote social and environmental sustainability.
Following the mentoring sessions and bootcamp, participants presented their business ideas before a panel of judges. During the pitching session, participants had the opportunity to showcase their innovations and demonstrate the potential impact of their proposed solutions.
Through the collaboration between YES! 2026 and CSDU FEB UGM, students are expected not only to develop innovative business ideas but also to cultivate greater awareness of social and environmental challenges in their surroundings. The program highlights how entrepreneurship can help students develop sustainable solutions and make positive contributions to society.
Reporter: Dwi Zhafirah Meiliani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
