On November 17th 2004 the WYLN held its inaugural event in New York City. At the event, young artists from China, Tibet, USA, Mali, Japan and Bosnia & Herzegovina shared the stage in a celebration of diversity and artistry. The event was distinguished by several artists performing with indigenous instruments from a broad array of cultures. Those in attendance were addressed by H. E. Nawang Rabgyal, Representative of His Holiness The Dalai Lama who spoke on the importance to the greater peace process of Chinese and Tibetans creating relationships such as artistic collaboration. Shinichiro Okuyama, WYLN Chairman for Japan also addressed the crowd by sharing the WYLN’s plan of action for the coming years.
On November 18th 2004, WYLN held a companion introductory event at United Nations Headquarters. At the event Shinichiro Okuyama presented the WYLN’s action plan to the diplomatic community and dedicated the WYLN to working within the guidelines of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The action plan presented includes providing a forum for youth to participate in humanitarian service and peace building activities and projects to further dialogue amongst the world’s civilizations while placing special emphasis on the empowerment of African and Middle Eastern Youth.