As an urbanists group, we aim to help build bridges – and not just the physical ones. YUSEA aims to connect young people passionate about urbanism in the region – regardless of social, identity, economic, or professional background.
Yusea’s Membership
YUSEA’s core team currently includes 34 people from 11 countries, from backgrounds as diverse as urban planning, academic research, international development, construction technologies, film & media, architecture, and tech.
In addition, our events and initiatives will always be open to the broader community of Southeast Asian youth, and there will be many ways to engage with YUSEA.
Our Partners
We are proud to work with the following organisations:
AUN-EEC
Regional (based in Philippines)
Non-profit
The AUN Thematic Network on Ecological Education and Culture (AUN-EEC), hosted by Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, has key missions to develop a generation of Southeast Asians who will have the mindset and competencies to conserve and preserve the environment through ecological education as they face the challenges of social change and economic growth.
YUSEA has been a member of AUN-EEC since 2024.
Yale-NUS College
Singapore
Higher Education Institution
Established in 2011, through a partnership between Yale University and the National University of Singapore, Yale-NUS College is a leading liberal arts and sciences college in Asia, with a residential programme that integrates living and learning.
Yale-NUS College were the hosts and main organisers of our first event in 2024, and the Urban Studies major has been supportive of YUSEA’s growth.
Our Commitment to Collaborative Action
At Young Urbanists of Southeast Asia (YUSEA), we understand that partnerships are the cornerstone of impactful urban development. Achieving the ambitious goals of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11), which focuses on Sustainable Cities and Communities, along with the broader objectives of the Paris Agreement, requires a collective and coordinated effort. The scale of these international frameworks is vast, and it’s clear that collective efforts essential in making substantial progress.
Together, we believe that through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainable urbanism, we can make significant strides towards creating cities that are resilient and adaptable and places where communities thrive and cultures flourish.
Our Vision for Sustainable Urbanism
Our vision is to create urban spaces in Southeast Asia that are physically sustainable and socially inclusive and economically vibrant. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we aim to generate creative solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of Southeast Asian cities. Our collaborative approach ensures that the voices of youth, as well as seasoned city-makers, are integral to shaping the future of urban living in the region.
Physical Chapters
By end-2025, we aim to establish at least two physical chapters, each hosted in a Southeast Asian city.
Establishing city chapters is our effort to build bottom-up, inclusive, and accessible local networks for everyone. Our chapter will organize a series of networking events, webinars, and lectures in local languages to break down language barriers. We also aim to partner with local organizations to leverage the voice of youth in urban issues.