Defying Adversity: 2025 AFS Youth Assembly Wraps

That’s a wrap on the 30th AFS Youth Assembly!

Hundreds of dynamic young global citizens from over 80 countries gathered in New York City on August 8-10, 2025 to tackle the event theme: “Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead” and take important actions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are certain that each and every one of them will go on to make an impact in their communities.

Feel the atmosphere of the event: see the photos here.

Highlights from this year’s event include:

An International Youth Day Celebration

Many of the AFS Youth Assembly Delegates loved joining the International Youth Day Celebration on August 8 organized by AFS Intercultural Programs, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN. Powerful youth voices took the stage, highlighting the vital role young people play in redefining multilateral diplomacy. By leveraging digital tools and fostering cross-sector collaborations, youth are not only amplifying their voices but also facilitating inclusive, impactful dialogue across nations, cultures, and institutions. Find out more and watch the recording here.

Program Packed with Engaging Sessions

Powerful discussions took place at the AFS Youth Assembly at NYU Kimmel Center! More than 30 different panels and sessions explored the future of peace, green skills, mental health and women’s leadership. The SDG Zone featured engaging activities about SDGs and inspired our Delegates in their own action and impact journeys. The Delegates engaged with exhibitors and learned a lot about advancing their education and career prospects at the Opportunities Fair. Action & Impact Hub, and the Speed Skills Exchange stand out as program highlights for interactive activities that put the work of young leaders at the center. Find out more.

Specialized Program Tracks in Partnership with Leading Institutions

A select number of participants joined different Academies even before the AFS Youth Assembly conference started. Academies focused on Climate Entrepreneurship (delivered by the New York University (NYU) School of Professional Studies, Center for Global Affairs), Changemaking (delivered by the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania), Global Education (supported by AFS-USA) and International Affairs. 212 Delegates received scholarships to join these programs, thanks to the support of bp, Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, AstraZeneca, DHL, Schwarzman Scholars, AKCG, and Morimura Houmekiai Foundation.

Launching the Declaration of Impact

Delegates co-created a Declaration for Impact—a shared commitment to driving positive change in their communities. This declaration emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collective responsibility in addressing global challenges.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Congratulations to the winners of prestigious awards announced at the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly:

AFS Award for Young Global Citizens Winner: Oluwadamilola Akintewe, Project Rebirth, Nigeria
Outstanding Youth Delegate Award Winner: Odunayo Aliu, Nigeria
Outstanding Youth Assembly Ambassadors: Dana Al-Anzy, Qatar; Khaled Abdulwahed, Canada; Kwamena Hammond, Ghana
SDGs Zone: Story of Change Challenge Winner: Emily Wright, United Kingdom

A Celebration of Cultures

The Closing Ceremony ended with a touching poetry reading from the National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States Evan Wang and energizing musical performances by Rama Budhathoki and Fogo Azul. They got the Delegates on their feet dancing and excited for the CultureFest where they showcased national attire and local cultures.