This is a program of AFS International and is not administered by AFS-USA. AFS-USA is a separate legal entity from AFS Intercultural Programs/AFS International and is not a legal affiliate thereof.
Following two destructive world wars, the United Nations was established in 1945 to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” safeguard justice and freedoms, promote social progress and build harmony between all nations. Since then, immense progress has been made in achieving these goals, and in 2015 all 193 U.N. member states agreed on 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which delineate the targets for international development up to 2030.
While some progress has been made towards achieving the SDGs, there remains significant work, with 800 million people still living in extreme poverty, 40% of children in Africa without access to primary education, in particular the pandemic has created a generational catastrophe as millions of children have fallen behind in their learning. 20% of young women still married in childhood globally, a growing environmental crisis, and catastrophic wars and conflicts persisting.
The International Affairs Academy will engage Delegates in understanding major issues within international affairs and sustainable development, and in learning directly from principal actors in the field, such as the United Nations and country missions to the UN. As such, Academy participants will begin conversation and planning on the role of youth in tackling these challenges.
In the International Affairs Academy, participants will engage in the following:
Delegates will hear from expert speakers working in leading global organizations, based in New York City.
Delegates who join this Academy are expected to enhance their efforts for a positive impact on global-scale problems of sustainable development or conflict, at the local or international level. In this way, The AFS Youth Assembly International Affairs Academy will build towards youth action to catalyze change to support sustainable development and peaceful societies, in their capacities. Delegates will leave newly equipped to take on challenges facing the world, seize opportunities, and make a difference in their communities and beyond.
—2023 AFS Youth Assembly Delegate from India
This Academy includes accommodation in a hotel in New York City for 5 nights.
