Start Local, Think Global: reflections from the Youth Summit Suriname

Speaking at the YAS Summit about careers and change, and learning from the curiosity of the next generation.

Acacia Bhikharie

10/23/20261 min read

Audience and stage during Acacia Bhikharie’s talk at the Youth Summit Suriname 2026

In September, I had the privilege of speaking at the Youth Summit Suriname 2026, hosted by Youth Association Suriname (YAS). Under the theme “Start Local, Think Global”, young people joined professionals and organisations to explore careers, entrepreneurship, personal development and international exchange.

I was invited to share lessons from my career, but left with a reminder for myself too: careers rarely unfold exactly as planned.

Sometimes change can feel like the end of an era, even when you knew it might be coming. You may not immediately know what comes next, and perhaps you don’t have to. Give yourself time to process what is ending, while remaining open to what might begin.

What stayed with me most was the curiosity of the young people in the room: their questions, their confidence to ask them and their willingness to keep asking. Alongside perspectives on energy, financing, data, international exchange and entrepreneurship, it left me excited about this generation and the future of Suriname.

Perhaps that is what a career — and life — is really about: continuing to learn, adapt and give meaning to the path you are on, without needing every next step figured out.

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