ntroduct I on

Message from the 2021

JCI President Ryubun Kojima

When COVID-19 first began, it created a global wave of great confusion, fear and chaos. We had all hoped that by 2021 the pandemic would have come to pass, but it quickly became obvious that would not be the case. From a weakened global economy to a serious and widespread mental health crisis, the world was in desperate need of help — and of helpers.

Despite the challenges faced around the world, JCI’s enterprising young leaders did not waver. Instead, they stepped forward to lead vital projects, bringing historic growth and prosperity to our organization. We continued the JCI RISE Initiative, showing people across the globe that JCI is a force of innovation and entrepreneurship. We held four digital Area Conferences and one virtual World Congress, learning from our experiences in 2020. We launched new projects such as the Creative Young Entrepreneur program and the first of four Global Leadership Masterclasses — fantastic new tools that will assuredly help JCI members better themselves as leaders. Even in a time when COVID-19 found countless ways to make life more challenging, we found ourselves just as ambitious and capable as ever.