It’s a wrap on the 2026 AFS Youth Assembly! Hundreds of dynamic young global citizens from over 80 countries gathered in Geneva, Switzerland for this 31st session to tackle the event theme: “Rise. Reimagine. Rebuild: A World for All” 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: follow @theyouthassembly on social media!
Highlights from this year’s event include:
An International Youth Day Celebration
Our young Delegates loved joining the International Youth Day Celebration on August 12 organized by AFS Intercultural Programs in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Hosted at the United Nations World Health Organization, young people, dignitaries, leaders, educators, activists and champions of sustainable development are gathering to explore the theme of “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
“I invite each of you to embrace both your unique story and our shared purpose. The future is not something waiting for us. It is something we create – through the choices we make, the bridges we build, and the courage to see one another not as strangers, but as partners. Different contexts. Common aspirations. One shared future,” said Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs, in his opening remarks.
Find out more and watch the recording here.
Program Packed with Engaging Sessions
Powerful discussions took place at the AFS Youth Assembly! More than 35 different sessions explored development, climate resilience, education and polarization. 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.
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 International Affairs (delivered by UNITAR), Changemaking (delivered by the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania), and Global Education (delivered by AFS International and the European Federation for Intercultural Learning). 160+ Delegates received scholarships to join these programs, thanks to the support of bp, Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, AstraZeneca, Soundboard Foundation and other notable partners.
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:
- Gabriel Domoninge, STEM For All, Ghana
- Outstanding Youth Delegate Award Winner:
- John Ofori, Founder & CEO of Rethink Africa Intelligence (RAI Labs), Ghana
- Outstanding Youth Assembly Ambassadors:
- Kwamena Hammond, Ghana
- AlDana Al-Sulaiti, Qatar
- Manar Alanazi, Saudi Arabia
- Kirstine Co, Canada
A Celebration of Cultures
The Closing Ceremony ended with energizing musical performances by Khanak Hajela, Jagrit Bajwa and Drumevents. They got the Delegates on their feet dancing and excited for the CultureFest where they showcased national attire and local cultures.
