AFS is delighted to announce its partnership with DHL, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, which is known for its strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. Together, they aim to support the 2023 AFS Youth Assembly, a platform for young, active global citizens from more than 100 countries.
Building upon a partnership that began in 2022, DHL along with AFS Intercultural Programs, the international education non-profit that convenes the Youth Assembly, continue to work together on empowering the world’s youth to become the driving force behind positive change and progress.
“At DHL, we believe in nurturing the next generation of leaders who will help shape a more harmonious and united world,” said Cristian Vera, Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing for DHL Express in the Americas. “Having personally witnessed the profound impact of AFS’s student exchange program and as an Alumni of AFS, I am filled with pride as we embark on this journey together, empowering young individuals to become global citizens by providing them with critical skills they need to develop as future global change-makers.”
At this year’s AFS Youth Assembly, DHL will present the Outstanding Youth Delegate Award, which will honor an exceptional young individual who embodies the core values of the AFS Youth Assembly and demonstrates a strong commitment to the UN SDGs. At the 2022 AFS Youth Assembly, the Outstanding Youth Delegate Award was presented to Nadine Khaouli from Lebanon, who was recognized for her initiative “Kafe be Kafak” (“Hand in Hand”), an initiative supporting SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 by helping people in need following the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, COVID-19 pandemic and local economic crisis. Find out more here.
DHL will also support young leaders in organizing the first ever “SDG Zone” during the AFS Youth Assembly, an interactive, youth-led program that includes presentations, information sessions on specific SDGs and empowers young leaders to take action to advance positive change in their communities. Find out more here.
“The world has only seven short years left to make the SDGs a reality by 2030. Young people today feel a sense of gridlock and that progress is lagging behind. We are proud to partner with DHL to ensure young leaders have the resources and opportunities they need to make a positive impact on their communities and the world,” added Daniel Obst, President & CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs.
The 28th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly, themed “Breakthrough to a Better Future,” will convene in New York City from August 11 to 13, 2023. More than 800 young leaders from 100+ countries will gather to foster meaningful connections and work collaboratively towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.
For more information about the AFS Youth Assembly, please visit www.youthassembly.org. For more information on DHL, visit www.dhl.com.