Conference Program

28th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly: August 11-13, 2023 in New York City, USA

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Anchored around a celebration of International Youth Day, the theme of the 28th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly is “Breakthrough to a Better Future.” Through discussions, skill-building workshops, networking, and ideation challenges, and with the support of experts and practitioners in the field, young attendees will gain the relevant resources and opportunities they need to become equal partners in achieving change.

The 28th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly will be centered on coming together to amplify young people’s engagement and leadership in all areas of decision making and action for the Global Goals.

Conference venue

  • August 11: The celebration of International Youth Day and the opening ceremony of the AFS Youth Assembly will take place at the UN General Assembly hall.
  • August 12 and 13: AFS Youth Assembly sessions will take place at the Convene Center.
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#IYD2023

Celebrating International Youth Day

AFS Intercultural Programs is pleased to announce the Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations as the lead endorser for the celebration of International Youth Day at the opening of the 28th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly on August 11, 2023. This celebration is organized with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications Civil Society Unit.

The International Youth Day celebration is tentatively scheduled to take place at the UN General Assembly Hall with 1,000 young leaders from around the world in attendance.

Find out more

Meet the speakers

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Panels

  1. 091718-M.MITCHELL-S (9)_F – Sara Roble-Guerrero

    Marcene Mitchell, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

    Marcene Mitchell is the senior vice president of Climate Change at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Marcene advances the climate action agenda by building greater synergies across WWF’s climate change…
  2. Hilary

    Hilary Taft, USAID

    “The world is changing rapidly – socially, technologically, and economically. As we young people learn and strengthen our resilience to these ever-changing forces, we will no longer be victims of…
  3. Dana – Dana PODMOLIKOVA

    Dana Podmolikova, United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

    “Youth are capable and ready to assume a bigger share of responsibilities to shape the world and create narratives of mutual understanding and respect across borders, cultures, beliefs and faiths.”…
Meet all panelists
08_13_22 YA – social media-9505

Workshops

  1. Farra_2 – Farra Trompeter

    Farra Trompeter, Big Duck

    “Clarifying your organization or initiative’s brand strategy can help you create visuals, messaging and materials that are more likely to engage your audiences and achieve your mission.” Farra Trompeter is…
  2. UVoss_EM_Portrait_Tie_2_2017-QUADRAT – Ulrich Voss

    Ulrich Voss, AFS Intercultural Programs

    A native of Germany, Ulrich has studied, lived and worked in the USA, France, Switzerland and Kenya. He runs a consulting boutique in Germany working mostly with Private Equity firms…
  3. Amanda

    Amanda Abrom, Global Schools, Sustainable Development Solutions Network

    “We are thrilled to represent the Global Schools Program for the second year in a row and lead a workshop on education. Looking forward to a great AFS Youth Assembly!”…
Meet all workshop leaders
08_13_22 YA – social media-8905

28th session

Breakthrough to a Better Future

Anchored around a celebration of International Youth Day, the theme of the 28th Session of The Youth Assembly is “Breakthrough to a Better Future.” Five core areas were identified as the program agenda where there are urgent challenges and exciting potential for young people to make a breakthrough:

  • Track 1: Reduce Inequalities: Tackling Poverty and Gender Inequality
  • Track 2: Education & Employment: Skills for the Future 
  • Track 3: Protect Our Planet: Climate Action 
  • Track 4: Global Trust: Peace & Information Integrity
  • Track 5: Global Solidarity: Multilateralism and Regional Cooperation for a Better Future
Read the Concept Note

  1. Disover program packages

  2. Explore delegate opportunities

  3. Apply now

The AFS Youth Assembly is supported by: