"Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development Goals: From Discussion to Innovation, Inclusion, and Action"
21-24 September 2023 | Hybrid Format | New York, USA
Location: New York City, AFS Intercultural Programs, 5 Hanover Square, 14th floor, New York, NY
Collaborators: UN Department of Global Communications Civil Society Unit, UN-Habitat, IOM, and AFS Intercultural Programs.
The 8th edition of the International Youth Conference is set to take place in New York City from 21 to 24 September 2023, coinciding with the United Nations High-Level Week. This year's conference, #IYC8, will be closely linked with the 2023 SDG Summit. It will provide a platform for young people to discuss the progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and explore ways they can contribute to this effort.
REGISTER HERE & for more information, please visit: www.internationalyouthconference.org
IYC8 Programme:
More information on individual sessions can be found here.
Day 1: September 21, 2023
The conference kicks off with a session celebrating International Peace Day, exploring the ambitious goals set forth by the Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. A series of discussions follow, focusing on the crucial role of youth in human rights, peace, and development. Experts will also tackle the subject of youth countering violent extremism. The morning wraps up with awards recognizing exceptional youth achievements. The afternoon will delve into humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts, the application of human rights in public management, and the significance of youth advocacy in achieving the SDGs, and closes with a session on social justice and children's rights.
- Session 1: Opening Ceremony
- Priyanka Chahal, Shurabe Mercado, Jessica Li (Moderators): IYC Executive Directors and Director
- Ali Mustafa: Founder of International Youth Conference
- Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo: Chief, Civil Society Unit, UN Department of Global Communications
- Mary Hiuhu: Programme Officer, Sister Neighborhoods Project, UN-HABITAT
- Nicole Lebonson: Deputy Director of Organizational Development, AFS Leadership
- Joseph Powers MSW, PPSC-SC, CWA, SSW: IYC Advisor
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Day 2: September 22, 2023
Day 2 commences with a keynote on Youth Building Economies. Following that, sessions cover a range of topics including global public health, governance for SDGs in India, and multilateralism and migration. Workshops and discussions in the afternoon are focused on the progress of youth-led initiatives in Africa, sustainability practices, and civil society youth advocacy.
Youth-led Panel Discussions:
Session 17: Creating a Legacy Now!
(Fueled by UN Youth Representatives Steering Committee, UN Department of Global Communications)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Description: Presented by the UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee, this session encourages youth to start building their legacies by engaging in meaningful initiatives.
- Cairo Eubanks (Moderator): New Future Foundation, Inc and Co-Chair, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Naphtali Akudung: Captain Planet Foundation and Member, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Ruth Brinkley: New Future Foundation, Inc. and Advisor, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Shurabe Mercado: IYC and IAAI Glocha and Member, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Aishwarya Narasimhadevara: Advisor, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Lefteris Dafermos - Relections: Advisor, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
Session 18: Bolstering Civil Society Youth Advocacy and Engagement: Tools and Resources
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Description: The final session of the day provides resources and tools to bolster civil society youth advocacy, offering a road map for effective engagement.
- Chaste Christopher Inegbedion (Moderator): Chief Period Officer, Sanicle.US
- Sharon Pierre-Louis: ENDA and Member, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Rosemond Yeboah: New Future Foundation, Inc
- Ali Mustafa: AFS International Programs and Advisor, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Margo LaZarro: NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY
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Day 3: September 23, 2023
The third day of the conference is packed with global insights, starting with an early session live from Pakistan on the State of SDGs. This is followed by online sessions discussing loss and damage in Kenya, and the climate crisis in Greece. As the day progresses, topics span from community healthcare and meaningful UN youth engagement to mental health and climate action. Workshops will cover topics like resilience, technology, and sustainability.
Youth-led Panel Discussion:
- Session 26: Championing Meaningful Youth Engagement at the United Nations
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Description: This session will outline the ways in which youth can effectively engage with the United Nations and contribute meaningfully to global dialogues.
- Mojgan Khanjani (Moderator): Baha'i International Community and Member, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo: Civil Society Unit, UN Department of Global Communications
- Claire Kirshenbaum: Lehigh University and Member, UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
- Isaac Bayoh: Youth Advisor at Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations
- Esther Kelechi Agbarakwe: Secretary-General’s Climate Action Team (CAT); Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG)
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Day 4: September 24, 2023
The final day starts with a focus on partnerships for achieving global goals, followed by youth-led discussions on Africa and South Asia's SDG progression. After a networking break, the floor opens for sessions on STEM education, intersectionality, and a mid-term review of the UN 2030 Agenda by youth. The day concludes with a closing ceremony.
DGC-supported panel discussion:
Session 35: Youth-Led Session on Africa: Reconnecting the Diaspora
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Description: This session celebrates African achievements and discusses ways to forge sustainable partnerships, focusing on reconnecting the African diaspora.
- Dr Daniel Gbujie (Co-Moderator): Project54
- Oliver Mutesi (Co-Moderator): Vice President East African Region Pan African Youth Union
- Rachael Tabitha: National Youth Advocate, Kenya
- Olive Kayongo Kabeya: Entrepreneur and CEO of Quality Master Group, Inc.
- Misky Nur Abdullahi: Founder, Misky Nur Foundation
- Dr. Khouzeifi Issakha Doud-bane: Principal Representative, ACIEDD NGO