The Let’s Do It World Leaders Academy Asia 2026 took place in the Maldives from 19 to 22 June 2026, bringing together country leaders and representatives from across Asia. Let’s Do It Japan leader Takao Asai shares his account of the event.
Over four days, LDIW Leaders Academy Asia participants strengthened regional connections, exchanged experiences, and learned from environmental experts while gaining a deeper understanding of the Maldives' unique environmental challenges. The programme combined leadership development, knowledge sharing, cultural exchange and field visits, reflecting the collaborative spirit at the heart of the Let’s Do It World movement.
The Academy opened with a warm welcome from the Maldives team who were joined by Mohamed Faiz, Minister of State for the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Mohamed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament in the Maldives. Heidi Solba, LDIW President and Head of Global Network also joined online with a message for the leaders.
On the first evening, participants gathered for a beach barbecue overlooking the Indian Ocean, creating a relaxed setting where delegates from different countries could get to know one another and build friendships before the working sessions began.
Throughout the conference, country leaders shared updates on their national campaigns and presented inspiring examples of community engagement, environmental education and volunteer mobilisation.
The presentations showcased the diversity of approaches across Asia while highlighting a shared commitment to building cleaner, more sustainable communities. Participants also explored opportunities for future regional collaboration and celebrated the continued growth of the Asian network.
The programme included a series of keynote presentations by speakers from government, academia and environmental organisations. Topics ranged from waste management and the circular economy to sustainable tourism, climate resilience and community participation in environmental protection. The sessions offered valuable insights into how different sectors can work together to tackle environmental challenges and support sustainable development.
One of the Academy's highlights was the opportunity to learn directly from the host country. On the final day, participants visited Himmafushi Island, where they toured the island's waste management facilities and met with local government representatives.
The visit provided first-hand insight into the environmental realities facing small island communities, including limited land availability, waste management challenges and the vital role of community participation in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. It also demonstrated how local solutions can contribute to broader sustainability goals, inspiring participants to consider new approaches in their own countries.
Beyond the formal programme, the Academy helped foster meaningful relationships among participants. Informal discussions, shared meals and cultural exchanges strengthened mutual understanding and reinforced the value of international collaboration. By learning from one another's experiences and gaining a greater appreciation of the diverse environmental contexts across Asia, participants left with fresh ideas and renewed motivation to expand their impact at home.
As Let’s Do It World continues to grow across the region, the Leaders Academy remains an important platform for developing leadership, encouraging innovation and strengthening partnerships. The 2026 Academy in the Maldives once again demonstrated that while every country faces its own environmental challenges, the shared commitment of volunteers and communities across Asia provides a strong foundation for creating lasting, positive change together.
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