Ridaab Marzuq, a photographer and young leader with a deep academic foundation in International Relations, has been named an Outstanding Delegate of the 2026 AFS Virtual Global Leadership Program. With a life lived between the United States and the Middle East, Ridaab brings a unique, personal understanding of global dynamics and cultural nuances to her work. Her background in diplomacy, conflict resolution, and international law fuels her passion for spaces that center on dialogue and storytelling.
It is a tradition in all AFS Youth Assembly gatherings to recognize and uplift the outstanding young leaders who especially shine in our programs. You can meet some of our recent Outstanding Young Delegates from past years here, and we are proud to add Ridaab to that amazing line up. We’ve talked about her experience and what this concept of youth leadership means to her, now that she is a part of the global AFS Youth Assembly community.
For Ridaab, leadership is rooted in self-awareness. “A leader is someone who can recognize when they have made a mistake and take responsibility for it,” she shares. She believes true leadership requires the honesty to ask for help and the courage to stand one’s ground, even when standing alone. This recognition serves as momentum for her continued growth, inspiring her to seek new opportunities for intentional contribution and lifelong learning.
Ridaab found her experience in this Virtual Global Leadership Program profoundly impactful. She highlighted the genuine exchange between diverse participants as a key highlight, noting how listening to different perspectives challenged her assumptions about leadership.
“I would encourage young people to stay curious, humble, and open to learning, and to seek experiences that challenge their perspectives. Global connection is built through respect, consistency, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with difference rather than striving for perfection,” Ridaab concluded.
The AFS Global Leadership Program is a rigorous certificate program in the AFS Youth Assembly portfolio designed to empower young leaders (ages 18-32) with the skills needed to create social impact.
If you are also looking to expand your perspective and connect with a global network of changemakers, we invite you to explore a diverse portfolio of opportunities that the AFS Youth Assembly offers.
Joining the AFS Youth Assembly is about more than just attending a conference; it is an invitation to step into a lifelong journey of impact, just as Ridaab has. Whether you are looking to sharpen your leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of global policy, or find the resources to launch your own social impact project, the AFS Youth Assembly provides the tools and the community to help you transform your vision into reality.
Join us at the next AFS Youth Assembly this August in Geneva, Switzerland, and take the first step toward your own leadership journey. Click here to start your application.