Selva Pankaj Joins JA Worldwide Global Council
Advancing Youth Education Through Global Impact
London, UK
A Message from Selva Pankaj: Honoured to Join the JA Worldwide Global Council
I am humbled and deeply honoured to share that I have been invited to join the JA Worldwide Global Council, effective 1 July 2025.
This invitation from JA Worldwide—a globally recognised education NGO reaching nearly 20 million students annually across 100+ countries—is a milestone that resonates deeply with my own life journey and the mission we lead at Regent Group.
Why JA Worldwide?
JA Worldwide has built one of the world’s most impactful youth-serving organisations. Its programmes in entrepreneurship, financial health, and work readiness equip young people with the mindset and skillset needed to thrive in a dynamic global economy.
From cities to rural regions, and especially in underserved communities, JA fosters self-reliance, economic empowerment, and hope. The organisation’s goal to deliver 100 million student-learning experiences per year by 2050 is bold, timely, and necessary.
As someone who arrived in the UK at 19 with only £100—fleeing the civil war in Sri Lanka—this opportunity holds personal significance. Education transformed my life, and JA’s work embodies that same power to transform futures through opportunity, dignity, and learning.
How I Hope to Add Value
As a new member of the JA Worldwide Global Council, I bring with me not only gratitude but also a strong sense of purpose. I aim to contribute in the following ways:
- Advancing Mindset-Based Education – I will promote the principles behind my books and programmes such as Thinking into Character, which focus on developing personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the mindset for success. These align with JA’s commitment to character education.
- Bridging Global Networks – With Regent’s presence across the UK, UAE, Europe, Sri Lanka, and the USA, I look forward to helping connect students, partners, and institutions to expand JA’s global reach and impact.
- Supporting Digital and AI-Driven Learning – Through AI Regent plc (AIR) and our teacherless classroom model, I will offer insights into scalable, technology-enabled learning tools that can help JA bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved regions .
- Mentoring the Next Generation – I am passionate about mentoring young leaders, sharing not only my story but practical lessons about resilience, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership in the 21st century.
- Championing Philanthropy and Partnerships – I will proudly make JA one of my top three philanthropic priorities, as invited by JA CEO Asheesh Advani . I also aim to inspire others in business and education to invest in JA’s mission.
A Shared Vision
JA’s values mirror those we uphold at Regent: character, unity, innovation, and a belief in the natural intelligence of every individual. This is reflected in our ethos: “The end result of education is character.”
In 2024, Regent celebrated its 25th anniversary as a global education group, and we continue to innovate through partnerships with institutions such as Stanford Online, and initiatives like Public Learn, which provides free access to transformational education in Sri Lanka.
The opportunity to join JA Worldwide’s Global Council allows me to bring those insights to a global platform, working alongside fellow educators, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists to expand access to quality education.
Inspired by JA’s Impact
One of the stories that deeply moved me is that of Odyek Haron from Uganda, who co-founded Bed Mot—an enterprise that transforms plastic waste into interlocking bricks. With JA’s support, Odyek not only addressed environmental issues but also created a sustainable business that supports his community.
This kind of innovation is exactly what our world needs: youth-led solutions to global challenges, powered by education and character.
Looking Ahead
Joining the JA Worldwide Global Council is not just an appointment—it is a call to serve. I am honoured to stand alongside so many inspiring leaders to help realise JA’s vision of a more prosperous, inclusive, and peaceful world.
I look forward to contributing to JA events, mentoring young changemakers, and supporting the expansion of JA’s impact globally. Most of all, I am committed to learning from the extraordinary students, alumni, educators, and partners that make JA such a transformative force.
To Asheesh Advani and the JA Worldwide leadership, thank you for your trust and invitation. I look forward to deepening this relationship and serving with humility and purpose.
Let us continue to educate, empower, and elevate—together.
SP
