AFS is proud to announce the theme for the 28th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly: Young leaders from around the world will gather to make a “Breakthrough to a Better Future” in New York City, on August 11-13, 2023. This is the second year AFS is organizing this global event with a 20-year long tradition, which provides a platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. Find out more about the 2022 event highlights.
Through discussions, skill-building workshops, networking, and ideation challenges, and with the support of experts and practitioners in the field, attendees will gain relevant resources and opportunities they need to become equal partners in achieving change. After consultation with hundreds of young leaders worldwide, five core areas were identified as the 28th program agenda where there are urgent challenges and exciting potential for young people to make a breakthrough:
- Reduce Inequalities: Tackling Poverty and Gender Inequality
- Education & Employment: Skills for the Future
- Protect Our Planet: Climate Action
- Global Trust: Peace & Information Integrity
- Global Solidarity: Multilateralism and Regional Cooperation for a Better Future
The Youth Assembly Delegates, aged 18 to 32, will have various opportunities to showcase their individual work and generate impact including through the AFS Award for Young Global Citizens Pitch Competition for $10,000 and two runner up prizes of $2,500 each; Outstanding Youth Delegate Award; an Action & Impact Hub, and upon completion of the event will join our global network of alumni focused on action and impact.
To further enrich the Youth Assembly experience, three immersive thematic packages will be offered to Delegates to delve into the topics of International Affairs for participants interested in the work of international organizations and the United Nations, Changemakers on creating social impact with a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania, and Climate Entrepreneurship for young leaders interested in becoming trailblazers in climate action.
Regular application rates apply until April 28, 2023. Apply now.
