Connections are everything! Here’s a glimpse of the exceptional individuals you could cross paths with at the AFS Youth Assembly:
⭐ Diverse Delegates:
Young leaders from over 100 countries gather at the Youth Assembly, representing a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
⭐ Changemakers:
Delegates include passionate individuals dedicated to driving positive change in their communities and beyond.
⭐ Future Leaders:
The AFS Youth Assembly attracts ambitious young professionals and students who aspire to become leaders in their respective fields.
⭐ Social Entrepreneurs:
Many participants are social entrepreneurs, innovators, and activists working to address pressing global challenges.
⭐ NGO Representatives:
Representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, and grassroots organizations attend to share their expertise and collaborate with other delegates, like Teach for All, WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), Mastercard Foundation, International Peace Bureau (IPB), United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), UN Women
⭐ Government Officials:
Government officials, policymakers, and diplomats participate to engage with young leaders and support youth-led initiatives, like Sarah Sladen, Agency Youth Coordinator, USAID or H.E. Mr. Michal Mlynár, Deputy Executive Director, UN Habitat, and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations
⭐ Industry Experts:
Delegates may have the chance to meet and be inspired by influential figures who have made significant contributions to global issues. The AFS Youth Assembly often features keynote speakers, panelists, and workshop facilitators who are experts in areas such as sustainability, social justice, and entrepreneurship, like
- Wantoe T. Wantoe, Youth Advisory Council member, SDGs campaigner, Climate and human rights activist
- Kerry Dryburgh, Executive Vice President, People and Culture and Chief People Officer, bp plc
- Rosy Fynn, Ghana and Nigeria (acting) Country Director, Mastercard Foundation
- Marcene Mitchell, Senior Vice President, Climate Change, WWF
⭐ Mentors and Advisors:
Experienced professionals and mentors are available to provide guidance, mentorship, and support to delegates, like
- Dr. Lisette Nieves, President for Fund for the City of NY, and Distinguished Clinical Professor at NYU Steinhardt
- Darshana M. Baruah, Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Cemre Ulker, Representative of Journalists and Writers Foundation to the UN Department of Global Communications
- Amira Nassim, Migration Policy Officer, International Organization for Migration (IOM)
⭐ Peers and Collaborators:
Delegates have the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, build networks, and form collaborations on projects and initiatives.