This is a program of AFS International and is not administered by AFS-USA. AFS-USA is a separate legal entity from AFS Intercultural Programs/AFS International and is not a legal affiliate thereof.
Apply for the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly
August 8-10, 2025 at the NYU Kimmel Center (New York City, USA) | Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead
Apply nowThere two ways you can join us:
Conference-Only
Experience the three conference days filled with engaging sessions, opportunities to learn from global leaders, and network with your peers from around the world. Through the theme of the 30th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly (August 8-10, 2025 at the NYU Kimmel Center), “Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead” we will explore:
- Peace, Policy and Action: Navigating Global Instability
- Green Skills for Employment: Building a Sustainable Resource-Efficient Society
- Youth Mental Health in a Turbulent World: Challenges and Solutions
- Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Leadership.
Learn how to get started with this event
Academies
Upgrade your experience with enriching program tracks that offer a comprehensive theme-based experience beyond the flagship conference with a series of seminars, organization site visits and exclusive special events to facilitate learning, connection, engagement and action beyond the conference.
You can choose between:
- Climate Entrepreneurship delivered by New York University (NYU)
- Changemaking delivered by University of Pennsylvania’s CSIS
- International Affairs including Model UN simulations and visits to Permanent Missions to the UN
- United Nations Global Citizenship Training delivered in partnership between UNITAR & AFS
Eligibility Requirements
- Delegates must be 18-35 years old
- Proven track record of leadership experience, school, or community involvement
- Interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues
- Proficient in English (Intermediate Level)
The AFS Youth Assembly Program includes:
Keynote Talks
Get inspired by today’s trailblazers and influencers
Thematic Discussions
Interact with panels of experts and leaders in various areas of inquiry
Skill-building Workshops
Engage in in-depth discussions or activities to develop practical skills
AFS Award for Young Global Citizens Finals
Finalists pitch their ideas to distinguished panel of judges for funding
Networking
Make connections with young leaders from all over the world
Awards
Find out the winners of the Outstanding Youth Delegate Award
Field Visits
Get an inside look into the working of global and national institutions and organizations
Special Events
Make new friends or collaborators through special dinners, CultureFest and more
“After the AFS Youth Assembly I feel empowered and unstoppable. I always thought that being young meant I had room to grow and then I could make the change I want to see in the world. But now I am positive that I have everything I need to just take action and build towards a better future. I am so grateful for everything that has happened to me during that whole week.”
—Bertini Benjamín José, 23 years old, Argentina
AFS Youth Assembly Conference-Only Fees
Early-bird rate: $350
Applies from August 18, 2024 to December 31, 2024
Regular rate: $450
Applies from January 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025
Late rate: $550
Applies from June 1, 2025 to August 1, 2025
***Please note that all deadlines are until 11:59 pm EST on the stated date.
To see the Fees and what’s included in each of the Academies, please click here.
Please read the Terms and Conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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