The Youth Assembly at the UN

The Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. It empowers the next generation with opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, trailblazers, and influencers; develop global competence and critical skills; and transform their vision for a better future into action.

Our mission is to empower youth to become the leaders and changemakers who will strive to create a sustainable world free of war, oppression, exclusion, and poverty. Through a worldwide network, programs, and services, we are harnessing the power of friendship as a catalyst for greater understanding, shared learning, and sustainable action.

A unique platform for youth impact

The Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. It empowers the next generation with opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, trailblazers, and influencers; develop global competence and critical skills; and transform their vision for a better future into action.

• Focused on Sustainability - One of the world’s largest youth events focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Rich Tradition - Founded in 2004, with roots going back to 1958
• Global Alumni - 20,000 alumni from 160 countries, including the UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi & former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
• Leadership Opportunities - Delegates receive multiples leadership opportunities and can win $10,000 prize for their social impact projects

Joining forces to support the next generation of active global citizens

The Youth Assembly, as a flagship program of the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF), will become a part of AFS Intercultural Programs, upon approval by the New York State Charities Bureau. Both organizations bring decades of experience in the world of international education and cultural exchange, and a shared focus on developing the next generation of young leaders.

Who speaks at the Youth Assembly?

Since 2004, our most notable speakers have included UN leaders and senior staff, celebrities, and other luminaries from civil society and the private sector. Past speakers include former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former UN Youth Envoy Ahmad Alhendawi, incumbent UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake, Presidents of the UN General Assembly, former UN Youth Champion Monique Coleman, American economist Jeffrey Sachs, Indian-American socio-political activist Arun Gandhi, and youth activists such as Alexandria Villasenor, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, and Amani Al Khatahtbeh.

Who partners with the Youth Assembly?

Our prominent partners include the United Nations, World Bank Group, UNESCO, ILO, AFS-USA, Idealist, Chemonics, PepsiCo, Microsoft, PwC, Instagram, Virgin Unite, Novartis, SDSN, the Huffington Post, UNA-USA, WCS, the Nature Conservancy, the Climate Reality Project, Liter of Light, Terracycle, and more.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Delegates must be 18-32 years old
• Proven track record of leadership experience, school, or community involvement
• Interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues
• Proficient in English (Intermediate Level)

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