Our mission is to empower youth to become the leaders and changemakers who will strive to create a sustainable world free of war, oppression, exclusion, and poverty. Through a worldwide network, programs, and services, we are harnessing the power of friendship as a catalyst for greater understanding, shared learning, and sustainable action.

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gathering of delegates from 100+ countries

A unique platform for youth impact

The Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. It empowers the next generation with opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, trailblazers, and influencers; develop global competence and critical skills; and transform their vision for a better future into action.

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Focused on Sustainability

One of the world’s largest youth events focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

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Rich Tradition

Founded in 2004, with roots going back to 1958, with 28 sessions of the Youth Assembly to date

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Global Alumni

20,000 alumni from 160 countries, including the UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi & former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan

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Leadership Opportunities

Delegates receive multiples leadership opportunities and can win $10,000 prize for their social impact projects

Read our impact report

Joining forces to support the next generation of active global citizens

Since 2004, the Youth Assembly has created an intergenerational space for dialogue among civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth to tackle innovative solutions to global issues in the 21st century. Originally launched by the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF), the Youth Assembly became a part of AFS Intercultural Programs in 2022. Both organizations bring decades of experience in the world of international education and cultural exchange, and a shared focus on developing the next generation of young leaders.

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Leaders committed to sustainable development representing youth voices at the global stage

The Youth Advisory Council

AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to appoint eight outstanding young leaders to serve on the Youth Advisory Council, representing youth voices from their respective regions at the global stage.

These young leaders are committed to sustainable development in their communities and the world at large. The Youth Advisory Council will advise the Youth Assembly organizing team on the planning of the conference, including program development and agenda setting as well as recommendations on engaging youth in action and impact.

Meet the Youth Advisory Council
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The Global Leadership Council

The Global Leadership Council will help accelerate the development of the AFS Youth Assembly into a global movement of thousands of young leaders, ensuring that they are empowered to take action and create positive impact in communities worldwide.

The Council members will contribute to the programming of the AFS Youth Assembly, provide networking or mentorship opportunities that help young people drive impact in their local communities, and promote the Youth Assembly within their professional and private networks. The Global Leadership Council also is an opportunity for business and NGO leaders to connect with peers and to engage in dialogue on key global issues, but most importantly to stay in touch with future leaders.

Meet the Global Leadership Council members
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young global leaders

Meet our outstanding alumni

The Youth Assembly has 20,000 alumni from 160 countries. The event brings together the world’s foremost young leaders and changemakers. The Youth Assembly delegates, aged 18 to 32, possess strong leadership potential as well as keen interest in global issues.

Meet some of the most outstanding alumni who have joined the Youth Assembly since 2004.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Youth Assembly is a unique platform that cultivates a global network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. It empowers the next generation of leaders with opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, trailblazers, and influencers, develop global competence and critical skills, and transform their vision for a better future through innovative action.