The 32nd AFS Youth Assembly
February 24-25, 2027 in New York City
Navigating Tomorrow: Youth Leadership in a Transforming World
Concept Note
As conflicts deepen, crises multiply, and technology reshapes our lives, the need for international cooperation, intercultural understanding, and responsible leadership has never been greater. Young people are coming of age amid economic uncertainty, climate emergencies, and social injustices that increasingly affect their futures, mental health, and well-being. The UN report Youth Mental Health and Well-Being in an Uncertain World highlights the need for a holistic approach, recognizing how education, employment, climate change, digital environments, and community support shape young people’s well-being. Yet, despite being directly affected by these challenges, young people often have limited influence over the decisions that shape their lives. Meaningful youth participation must go beyond having a seat at the table; it means ensuring young people’s perspectives are heard, valued, and reflected in decisions that shape our shared future.
At the same time, artificial intelligence, social media, and digital technologies are transforming how young people learn, connect, and experience the world, creating new opportunities while raising urgent questions about inclusion, mental health, ethics, and human relationships. Across borders, young people are challenging existing systems, calling for more inclusive decision-making, and reimagining leadership. The challenge is to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to navigate these changes and turn their aspirations into meaningful solutions.
This commitment is deeply rooted in the mission of AFS Intercultural Programs: empowering young people to become active global citizens who can bridge divides, understand different perspectives, and drive positive change, contributing to a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world. The New York City AFS Youth Assembly in 2027 will bring together hundreds of young leaders from around the world to learn, exchange perspectives, build connections, and explore solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Through discussions, skill-building workshops, networking, and collaboration, participants will engage with experts and practitioners, learn from one another’s experiences, and gain the knowledge and tools to translate ideas into action. The Assembly will create space for young people to strengthen their leadership, broaden their understanding of global issues, and build the networks needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the global stage.
The 32nd Session of the AFS Youth Assembly will take place in New York City on February 24-25, 2027, under the theme “Navigating Tomorrow: Youth Leadership in a Transforming World.” At its core, the theme recognizes that leadership today requires the ability to navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and make informed, ethical decisions in an increasingly interconnected world. Young people need opportunities to understand the forces shaping their futures, question assumptions, and develop the confidence to take on new roles and responsibilities. They also need spaces where their perspectives are heard, their contributions are valued, and their leadership is taken seriously.
Navigating tomorrow is not about having all the answers today. It is about equipping young people to ask the right questions, engage across differences, and lead with purpose even when the path ahead is uncertain. The next AFS Youth Assembly will invite young people to embrace that responsibility, look beyond the challenges of the present, and help shape a future that is more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for all.
An agenda by youth, for youth
Following consultations with hundreds of young leaders around the world, three core areas were identified for the AFS Youth Assembly program agenda, where urgent challenges intersect with extraordinary opportunities for youth-driven leadership:
- Track 1 – Rethinking Education for a Changing World
- Track 2 – Shaping the Future of Our Oceans
- Track 3 – Governing AI for a Human-Centered Future
Track 1 explores how education systems are preparing young people for the world they will inherit. It examines how education can evolve to meet changing workforce needs, technological advances, and global challenges while ensuring everyone has access to quality learning and the skills to thrive.
Track 2 explores ocean health, marine biodiversity, and climate resilience, examining how global cooperation and youth leadership can help secure a healthier and more prosperous ocean for future generations. How can we protect our oceans while building a sustainable blue economy?
Track 3 explores how global governance can ensure AI advances human rights, equity, and inclusion, while giving all countries and communities a voice in how this technology develops. As AI transforms how we live, learn, and work, who gets to shape its future?
Attendees can either concentrate in detail on one core area, or explore various topics according to their preference and expertise. The program will also consider the intersections of these issues.
Additionally, AFS Youth Assembly Delegates will have various opportunities to showcase their individual work and generate impact, including through the Outstanding Youth Delegate Award, and upon completion of the event, will join our Alumni Impact Network focused on action and impact to help support youths’ journey in the next phase of their life.
To further enrich the AFS Youth Assembly experience, an immersive Academy will be offered to Delegates to delve into the topics of International Affairs and diplomacy for participants interested in the work of international organizations and the United Nations.
The Objectives
Over the course of the AFS Youth Assembly, delegates will pursue the following objectives:
- Connect and engage: Build partnerships and motivation by connecting with influential young leaders, experts, and practitioners from across sectors and world regions.
- Learn and develop skills: Discover groundbreaking new tools, knowledge, training, and resources to succeed in their projects.
- Take action and create impact: Co-create solutions and engage in new initiatives and opportunities to accelerate your impact in local communities and the world.
The Outcomes and Opportunities
The impact of the AFS Youth Assembly extends far beyond the conference itself. Delegates become part of a powerful cross-sector, cross-national network of young leaders, joining a community of 20,000+ Youth Assembly alumni across 160 countries. Equipped with new perspectives, connections, and tools, they are encouraged to turn ideas into action through projects and initiatives that address challenges and create positive change in their communities and beyond.
We envision the AFS Youth Assembly not as a one-time event, but as part of a lifelong journey of leadership and impact. Through the Alumni Impact Network, delegates can continue collaborating with fellow changemakers, developing innovative solutions, and advancing meaningful change around the world. They are also encouraged to take on leadership roles within AFS Youth Assembly programs, helping bring these opportunities to more young people in their own communities. As part of this journey, delegates join the wider AFS alumni community, with more than 500,000 alumni and over 75 years of history advancing intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
The Youth Assembly is convened by AFS Intercultural Programs, a global non-profit that empowers young people from all backgrounds with essential global skills—and the passion for making a difference. Find out more about the AFS Youth Assembly here.