08_17_24 Youth Assembly 3882

August 8-10, 2025 at the NYU Kimmel Center (New York City, USA)

Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead

The theme of the 30th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly “Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead” calls on young people to recognize and rise above the alarming realities of our time. This year’s theme emphasizes the power of youth leadership and empowering collective action, urging young people to carve out their own space at the table and inspire change, even in the face of turbulent world affairs. After consultation with hundreds of young leaders worldwide, four core areas were identified as the AFS Youth Assembly program agenda:

  • Peace, Policy and Action: Navigating Global Instability 
  • Green Skills for Employment: Building a Sustainable Resource-Efficient Society 
  • Youth Mental Health in a Turbulent World: Challenges and Solutions 
  • Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Leadership

Read the Concept Note

Meet the Speakers

Delegates at the AFS Youth Assembly will hear from Speakers like:
azza

Azza Karam

Founding President and CEO of Lead-Integrity

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kaya h

Kaya Henderson

Executive Vice President and Executive Director Center for Rising Generations, The Aspen Institute

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joel r

Joel Rosenthal

President of Carnegie Council

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daniel

Daniel Obst

President & CEO, AFS Intercultural Programs

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Celebration of Youth

The AFS Youth Assembly Delegates will be invited to the free and open to the public celebration of International Youth Day on August 8, 2025.

Four Tracks Focusing on Peace, Green Skills, Mental Health and Women's Leadership

Two days (August 9 and August 10) filled with sessions designed to tackle the event theme “Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead”

Peace, Policy and Action: Navigating Global Instability

This Track is supported by our Knowledge Partner:

Pathways to Peace: Building Positive Peace in Post-Conflict Societies

This panel will explore the steps that are required to be taken in order to attain peace and stability in areas recovering from conflict. We will investigate ways in which international organizations and non-state actors mediate and maintain negative peace, as well as build positive peace. It will also highlight the role that youth play in these processes and suggest how their contribution can be enhanced. This panel aims to empower youth, enhance global peace strategies, and foster resilience in post-conflict societies. The future of global stability depends not only on ending wars but on ensuring that peace is truly sustainable for generations to come.

Preventing Violent Conflictfor Peaceful and Just Societies

This panel will examine the root causes of violent conflict and the conditions necessary to foster peace and stability. We will explore how international organizations and non-state actors address behaviors, attitudes, and contradictions that fuel conflict while strengthening governance and the rule of law. Special attention will be given to the role of youth in peacebuilding, with actionable strategies to enhance their contributions.

Youth Mental Health in a Turbulent World: Challenges and Solutions

AI and the Digital Dilemma: Challenges and Opportunities for Mental Health

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, young people must navigate this complex environment while maintaining their mental well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach, involving policymakers, mental health professionals, educators, and the technology industry to develop holistic solutions. This panel will provide an in-depth discussion on the effects of digital overload and explore strategies for achieving a healthier balance between the digital and real world. It will explore whether technology can effectively address the very problems it has contributed to, examining both the potential benefits and risks associated with AI in the mental health space.

Beyond the Surface: The Global Mental Health Crisis

This panel will explore the impact of global crises on youth mental health, with a particular focus on armed conflicts, pandemics, and climate change. Experts from mental health and humanitarian organizations, policy institutions, and youth advocacy networks will examine real-world examples and discuss strategies to mitigate the mental health toll of global crises.

Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Leadership

Gender Equality and Inclusion: Why is the World Not on Track?

This panel will delve into the persistent barriers hindering gender equality across various sectors, focusing on cultural, economic, and social dimensions. We will explore the challenges faced by women in political participation, their inclusion in public and private life, and the need for increased investment in women’s empowerment. The panel will celebrate existing best practices and show the way forward for embracing gender equality and inclusion.

Women's Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Paving the Path Forward

This panel discussion will explore the evolving landscape of women’s leadership, celebrating achievements, examining challenges, and highlighting the crucial role of young women leaders in shaping the future. We will highlight women leaders from diverse backgrounds with a specific outlook on the impact of education, technology and changing global landscapes on empowering women leaders. The panel aims to inspire young women to embrace leadership roles and contribute to shaping a more equitable and inclusive future.

Green Skills for Employment: Building a Sustainable Resource-Efficient Society

Coming soon!

08_11_23 YA WTC – social media1111

August 9 and August 10

Special Events Designed to Foster Impact, Networking and Youth Action

  • Opportunities Fair: Top universities, world-changing organizations, institutions, and agencies to showcase their campaigns, initiatives, and volunteer/career opportunities to an exceptional cohort of young leaders and changemakers from around the world
  • AFS Award for Young Global Citizens: The Award recognizes young people for their commitment to improving the global community and whose actions contribute to a more just, peaceful, and tolerant world. The winner will receive $10,000
  • Outstanding Youth Delegate Award: One Delegate will be identified out of over 700 youth from 100 countries and will be awarded at the Closing session, receiving special promotion, conference engagement and an invitation to a special event.
  • Youth at the Front Lines: Action & Impact Hub: In this exhibit style event, selected Youth Assembly Delegates will present their work to fellow Delegates, network and find meaningful ways to collaborate on projects around the world. Delegates presenting at the event will be featured and be able to show off impact created locally and globally
  • Youth Assembly Ambassador Award Ceremony: AFS Youth Assembly Ambassadors are students and young professionals from around the world who are looking to become pioneers in their community, help youth have a voice at the global stage and represent the mission of The AFS Youth Assembly
  • Plenary Addresses from global thought leaders
  • SDG Zone with Youth Leaders
  • Speed Skills Exchange
  • Networking: Meet the Speakers
  • Interactive Workshops
  • Alumni Spotlights
  • Closing Ceremony & Culture Fest