Are you a young leader looking to make a real difference in the world? Or perhaps you are an organization leader looking for opportunities to develop young talent within your community?
Here’s why you should consider attending the AFS Youth Assembly:
EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH AN ACTION-ORIENTED APPROACH:
The AFS Youth Assembly is more than just a conference – it’s a call to action. Gain inspiration and motivation to turn ideas into action, make a tangible impact in your community, and become a changemaker for a better world.
⭐ Like Larissa Cavallos… She attended the Youth Assembly for the first time in 2017, deeply inspired to take action. She started her own education project and in 2022, she won the AFS Award for Young Global Citizens for her work.
DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS:
The AFS Youth Assembly offers a platform for young leaders aged 18 to 35 to develop essential leadership skills. From workshops to networking sessions, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical tools to drive positive change in your community and beyond. Organization leaders over 35 years old might be eligible to attend as observers, based on their professional experience aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
⭐ For 2026, four core areas were identified as the program agenda, where there are urgent challenges and exciting potential for young people to “Rise. Reimagine. Rebuild: A World for All.” Read the Concept Note or check out the program from 2025 to see what the AFS Youth Assembly has to offer!
BOOST YOUR RESUME:
By joining the Youth Assembly, you gain a participation certificate and an electronic badge that may be added to your LinkedIn account. If you choose to sign up for an Academy, your certificate will also be issued by our official partner organizations.
⭐ You’ll also have the opportunity to network with our partners from various sectors including companies, non-profits, and the United Nations. This networking experience can provide invaluable connections and insights to complement your resume boost.
RECEIVE RECOGNITION ON A GLOBAL STAGE:
The AFS Award for Young Global Citizens 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.
⭐ Oluwadamilola Akintewe, a Nigerian lawyer and activist, won the 2025 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens for her impactful work with Project Rebirth, a youth-led initiative focused on empowering women in Nigeria’s underserved communities. Oluwadamilola received $10,000 to advance her initiative.
BECOME PART OF A GLOBAL NETWORK:
Join a community of over 20,000 young leaders from 100+ countries for a truly international experience. Connect with like-minded peers, build lifelong friendships, and expand your global network.
⭐ Get Involved in Our Alumni Impact Network.
JOIN IMPACTFUL DISCUSSIONS:
Engage in thought-provoking discussions and workshops on pressing global issues, from climate change to education. Share your perspectives, learn from others, and collaborate on innovative solutions to today’s challenges.
⭐ Here is what the press says about the AFS Youth Assembly!
CREATE PERSONALIZED LEARNING JOURNEYS:
Take your experience to the next level with the AFS Youth Assembly Academies, specialized program tracks that delve deeper into specific themes. From international affairs to intercultural leadership, these Academies offer a comprehensive learning experience tailored to your interests and goals.
⭐ Learn more about the AFS Youth Assembly Academies!
After the Youth Assembly concludes…
…delegates return to their workplaces and communities with newfound inspiration and determination. Armed with fresh perspectives, skills, and networks, they are empowered to effect real change. Whether in corporate offices, classrooms, or grassroots organizations, delegates become catalysts for positive action, advocating for social justice, sustainability, and human rights.