AFS Intercultural Programs is pleased to announce the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as the lead endorser for the 29th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly, taking place August 16 – 18, 2024 in New York City, USA. The IOM and AFS Intercultural Programs will also collaborate to celebrate International Youth Day 2024, along with the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Session of the Youth Assembly, the ECOSOC Youth Forum, and side events leading up to the Summit of the Future in September 2024.
The AFS Youth Assembly is a leading global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact.
The 29th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly (August 16-18, 2024), themed “Forge Our Shared Future”, will be centered on solidarity and strong partnerships. The event will address four core areas where there are urgent challenges and exciting potential for young people to make a breakthrough:
- Global Shocks: Tackling Humanitarian Crises
- Future of Education: Leveraging Technology & Innovation
- Save our Planet: Unite for Climate Action
- Food Security: Strengthen Global Food Systems
The IOM, also known as the UN Migration Agency, promotes humane and orderly migration, and plays a key role to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.
“We are honored to partner with AFS Intercultural Programs for the 29th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly from August 16 – 18, 2024. This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering young leaders and promoting meaningful youth engagement in addressing global challenges. By working together, we aim to harness the energy, creativity, and passion of young people to forge a shared future that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. We look forward to celebrating International Youth Day on August 16, 2024 and contributing to a successful Youth Assembly that inspires action and impact for a better world,” said Amira Nassim, Migration Policy Officer, International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to Yumna Khan, Director of the Youth Assembly & Strategic Youth Initiatives at AFS Intercultural Programs, “We are thrilled to partner with the International Organization for Migration for the 2024 AFS Youth Assembly, as a way to strengthen the role and voices of young people in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This collaboration is grounded in our shared belief that perspectives, innovation, and expertise of the growing youth population globally are essential for forging a more equitable and inclusive future.”
We expect approximately 800 young leaders from 100 countries to attend the 2024 AFS Youth Assembly. Youth Assembly Delegates 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 leadership, action and impact.
AFS Intercultural Programs is a leading international education and exchange organization that has been providing intercultural learning opportunities to young people for over 100 years. As an organization that promotes intercultural understanding and global citizenship, AFS is proud to be the organizer of the Youth Assembly as a platform for young people to engage in meaningful dialogue and action towards a better future.
Applications for the AFS Youth Assembly are open, and interested youth leaders can apply on the AFS Youth Assembly website at youthassembly.org.