Venue | United Nations Headquarters |
---|---|
Location | New York City |
Type | Annual event |
Theme | UN SDGs |
Organised by | AFS Intercultural Programs |
Participants | 100+ each edition |
Website | www |
The AFS Youth Assembly is an annual event organized by AFS Intercultural Programs to engage youth to address important global challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assembly brings together participants aged 18–32 from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop solutions for a better future. The assembly emphasizes intercultural understanding, youth leadership, solidarity, and social responsibility.
History
The AFS Youth Assembly was established as part of AFS Intercultural Programs' mission to build a more just and peaceful world through intercultural exchange and education. Over the years, it has developed into a forum for young global citizens to engage with experts, policymakers, and peers on critical global issues. The assembly is designed to provide young people with the tools, skills, and networks needed to contribute to change in their communities and elsewhere.
Themes
Each edition of the Assembly is centered around a specific theme that reflects current global priorities. Recent themes include "Breakthrough to a Better Future" for the 28th session in 2023, which addressed inequality, climate action, and education for employment, and "Forge Our Shared Future" for the 29th session in 2024, which addressed humanitarian crises, climate action, education innovation, and food security.
Outcome
The Assembly provides participants with skills, networks, and opportunities to contribute as global citizens. The event promotes intercultural understanding and highlights youth leadership in addressing global challenges. Alumni of the assembly often pursue initiatives in their communities and advocate for youth representation in decision-making processes.
References
- ^ "Noel Ifeanyi Alumona : What to know about di Nigerian wey become first African to win AFS award for Young Global Citizens". BBC News Pidgin. 2022-08-23. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- ^ Devries, Whitney (22 August 2024). "Youth are forging our shared future". Diplomatic Courier. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- "Westminster students take part in the 2023 AFS Youth Assembly at the United Nations in New York | University of Westminster". www.westminster.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- "Breakthrough to a better future - AFS Youth Assembly 2023 | European Youth Portal". youth.europa.eu. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- Manning, Maureen (2024-08-22). "Young changemakers gather in NY for AFS Youth Assembly". The PIE News. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- "Lebanese Nadine Khaouli Won The Outstanding Youth Delegate Award At The 2022 AFS Youth Assembly". www.the961.com. 2022-08-18. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- "29th Youth Assembly in New York 2024". OYA Opportunities. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- "International Youth Day 2023 Celebration". United Nations (in Arabic). 11 August 2023. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- Okogba, Emmanuel (2022-08-22). "Nigerian student becomes first African to win 108-year-old award, gets $10,000". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-13.
- Nation, The (2022-11-22). "Ugwuanyi receives first African winner of AFS award Alumona". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-01-13.