Young changemakers gather in NY for AFS Youth Assembly

“Born out of the ashes of war, AFS was founded on the belief that friendship between people of different cultures can be a powerful force,” Daniel Obst, president and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs stated in his opening address at the 29th AFS Youth Assembly in New York.

For the past 75 years, AFS has been building intercultural understanding through the global exchange of people and ideas, a mission that Obst asserts is now more important than ever.

To that end, AFS recently launched the Active Global Citizens Framework, a tool for global citizenship education. Parallel to the mission to foster global citizenship principles, AFS coordinates the annual Youth Assembly, this year, hosting close to 700 young leaders from more than 80 countries around the world.

“You are the generation that will redefine what it means to be a global citizen,” Obst told delegates during the International Youth Day celebrations.

“You are the generation that will challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible. As global citizens, you understand that our security is not just a matter of national interest, our security is a matter of human interest.”

Obst indicated that young people face myriad challenges and barriers, including lack of access to quality education, unemployment, poverty, political exclusion, and limited participation in decision making.

As such, The Youth Assembly is a convening where changemakers aged 18-32 can address these challenges through attending panels and workshops, networking with leaders in these areas, sharing their own innovative initiatives and competing for a $10,000 prize to support their philanthropic endeavors.

This year, Diego Enrique Fernandez Irrazabal of Paraguay was the winner of the AFS Award for Young Global Citizens. Irrazabal developed a portable desalination device powered by solar panels to supply potable water in the community of Chaco, where clean drinking water is not readily available.

“It is an impressive sight indeed, to see such sheer numbers of the next generation of global citizens, considering the times in which we find ourselves, where peace seems ever more elusive,” said Dennis Francis, president of the United Nations General Assembly.

Francis asserted the importance of youth voice through events such as the Youth Assembly. He also stressed the responsibility of leaders to amplify youth voices and to engage them in helping to solve the world’s most pressing global challenges.

Obst proffered that it is not only about being offered a voice, but also about how one uses that voice.

“It is about standing up what is right even when it is difficult. It is about building bridges where others would erect walls, and it is about knowing that your actions, no matter how small, contribute to a global tapestry,” he remarked.

Francis called for large-scale global reform, including the transformation of education and closing the digital divide “to ensure all young people have access to the knowledge and skills to thrive in a fast-paced society.”

He argued it is essential to integrate youth into critical conversations, emphasizing the dire need to address climate change.

NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw also urged a re-evaluation of societal constructs.

Our political, economic, and social systems must be reimagined

Fanta Aw, NAFSA

“Our political, economic, and social systems must be reimagined,” implored Aw.

“We must approach change and problem solving with humility, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to engage in a socially responsible manner.”

Social responsibility, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and climate change were themes woven throughout the offerings of the weekend’s events. Opportunities for delegates included panel discussions, insight sessions, alumni networking, and learning academies.

One of the learning academy tracks offered to delegates focused on climate entrepreneurship and was facilitated by New York University Center for Global Affairs. Scholarships were supported for this track by AstraZeneca.

Youth Assembly events also included an opportunities fair where representatives from graduate schools, internship programs, study and language travel, and others, shared information with delegates about a wide variety of youth services.

“AFS is committed to being the architects of a future where every young person, no matter where you come from, can live in a world that is safe, just, and full of opportunity,” said Obst.

“It takes collective energy to make this happen and this event is a great example for bringing together different voices and different stakeholders with the shared purpose.”

Delegates spoke highly of the event, many taking to social media to post photos of the dignitaries, presentations, and New York landmarks.

Laylan Albraik of Saudi Arabia, who won an award for Outstanding Youth Ambassador, wrote on LinkedIn, “This recognition fuels my passion and commitment to continue striving for positive impact, and I am excited for the journey ahead. Together we will continue to create meaningful change and build a brighter future for all.”