AFS Youth Assembly

Join us for a free online event on the sidelines of the UN Commission on the Status of Women focusing on “Redefining Roles and Empowering Global Citizenship through a Female Perspective.” You will hear from four inspiring women leaders: ?? Amanda Marie Villa, Columbia University ?? Cemre Ulker, Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) ?? Lamarzala Gran, Empowering Afghan Women ?? Beatriz González Acu?a, AFS Intercultural Programs March 24, from 1:00-2:30 PM ET Online on Zoom: https://lnkd.in/dg4cwhWe

?? Unlock Your Future at the United Nations! The United Nations Global Citizenship Training Academy—a first-of-its-kind program by AFS Intercultural Programs & United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)—is your gateway to international leadership, diplomacy, and intercultural expertise! ?? Train with UNITAR experts and gain firsthand insights into the UN system ?? Develop skills in global leadership, negotiations, and peacebuilding ?? Experience two immersive weeks in New York City, with exclusive UN site visits ?? Earn prestigious certifications from UNITAR & AFS If you’re 18-35 and ready to lead, serve, and make a global impact, this is your chance! Program Dates: June 30 - August 10, 2025 (online & in NYC) Apply Now https://lnkd.in/esryG4ti

I am thrilled to have participated in the "Global Leadership Program: International Affairs in a Transforming World" organized by AFS Intercultural Programs and the University for Peace (UPEACE) - UN Mandated! ??? This immersive virtual program was an incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring young leaders from around the world. We explored global leadership, peacebuilding, and intercultural communication through dynamic sessions, hands-on workshops, and a thrilling global debate. I also had the privilege of learning from experts in the field, gaining invaluable insights that truly broadened my perspective. A big thank you to the AFS Youth Assembly and AFS International team for organizing such an impactful virtual program, and to all the incredible leaders who participated and shared their knowledge and passion throughout the event! I’m grateful for this enriching experience and excited to apply the knowledge gained as leader of AFS Intercultura Brasil - Oficial, and in my ongoing commitment to fostering active global citizenship and inclusivity. #GlobalLeadership #Peacebuilding #AFSEffect #LeadershipDevelopment #YouthAssembly

Join us today for the Changemaker Academy Online Workshop with the Center for Social Impact Strategy! ?? Led by experts from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS), this online session offers an interactive experience showcasing why the Changemaker Academy is the perfect training ground for future changemakers. ???Wednesday, March 19 | ? 12:30 – 1:30 PM (ET) ? Free an open to everyone on zoom Register now: https://lnkd.in/dpqeSw4G

We’re proud to announce the selection of 10 outstanding young leaders for the Youth Assembly Impact Program for Africa – The Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program. With grant support from the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, this initiative is designed to empower young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills, resources, and funding needed to drive sustainable development in their communities. Congrats to Julia, Ruth, Aliyu, Rokiatou, Odunayo, Oluwadamilare, Mustapha, Achulo, Karabo, Paulema who will embark on a transformative journey that involves the AFS Global Competence Certificate, Leadership Development Workshops, Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly, Effect+ in the Community Workshop and Post-Program Impact Projects with Seed Funding. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dQ7VHCa3. William Gertz Ernest Armah

What an incredible experience at the Virtual Global Leadership Program! I’ve learned so much and can’t wait to apply it—trust & believe!! Grateful for the amazing people I’ve met—let’s stay connected and keep building! The AFS Intercultural Programs & AFS Youth Assembly Global Leadership Program is an opportunity for young changemakers to develop leadership skills, gain intercultural competence, and connect with a global network of passionate leaders. Through immersive learning, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, participants will be empowered to drive meaningful change in their communities. This program was packed with valuable insights: ?? Engaging international affairs seminars with expert speakers ?? Leadership workshops to unlock potential ?? Global debate challenges with peers from around the world ?? Negotiation skills training for young leaders ?? Virtual visits to UN Permanent Missions A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible. #AFSGlobalLeadership #YouthLeadership #ApplyNow #GlobalChangemakers #AFSYouthAssembly

That’s a wrap on the Global Leadership Program! Today we: ?? Debated: Through an interactive simulation of a global debate with Marina A. Kumskova, Senior UN Policy and Advocacy Adviser, our delegates explore the topic of Sustainable Energy Transition ?? Reflected: What are our strengths and what energizes us? Our delegates discovered their leadership qualities with Dr. Lucas Welter of AFS Intercultural Programs & NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development ?? Celebrated: Congrats our delegates on staying curious, engaged and supportive during the program. We were especially inspired by Alphonso Samukai and Astrid Morgado Espinoza Morgado who won the Outstanding Delegate Award. We look forward to the incredible impact these young Delegates will go on to make. Thank you for such engaged participation! https://lnkd.in/disep3up

Today was all about Skills for Effective Negotiation at the Global Leadership Program. We were joined by an incredible speaker, Dr. Amr Abdalla from the University for Peace (UPEACE) - UN Mandated, Centre for Executive Education. Dr. Abdalla shared what he has learned over the years of working in this field and traveling to over 70 countries to work with people on peace and conflict. “Peace is anything but simple. It's a dynamic concept,”he concluded. Manisha Shrestha, Delegate at the 2025 Virtual Global Leadership Program shared her impressions of the program today: “I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and for everything I’ve learned today. It’s not often that you get to have such a meaningful and insightful conversation, and I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you put into making this session so valuable. I’m leaving with a deeper understanding, and I can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge. It’s been a great experience, and I’m thankful for the chance to be part of it!" https://lnkd.in/ddNzMKmY

Highlights of Day 2 at the Global Leadership Program include: ?? We defined good leadership as a vocation, not an occupation in a dynamic session with Michael Sheldrick, Global Citizen ?? We learned what it’s like to be part of a Permanent Mission to the UN, thanks to our great hosts at the Japanese Mission ?? We heard about what’s really needed to be successful in the world of diplomacy and kicked off the Global Debate with Marina A. Kumskova, Senior UN Policy and Advocacy Adviser ?? We laughed together, cheered each other on and loved making new connections across the world. This virtual program continues tomorrow! https://lnkd.in/ddNzMKmY

Always great to catch up with Chernor Bah, who is Sierra Leone's visionary Minister of Information and Civic Education. Chernor is an amazing leader who serves with great humility and a clear ethical compass. And he strongly believes in the power of intercultural dialogue and exchange. I'm looking forward to working with him to bring more AFS Intercultural Programs to Sierra Leone, and to welcoming him to the AFS Youth Assembly this August! #globalcitizenship #SierraLeone