AFS Youth Assembly 16-18 August 2024, New York City
AFS International is once again organising the annual Youth Assembly with the support of the UN, and we want to give our NZ youth the chance to be part of the action!
Read on to learn about the three types of opportunity available. Find out more at www.youthassembly.org/ then get in touch with us at [email protected] to join our national delegation!
Benefits of joining the official NZ delegation include:
- Support arranging flights, visa, local transport and accommodation
- Predeparture orientation to help you maximise your time at the Assembly
- Support with creating and executing a successful fundraising plan
- Group activities in NYC (details tbc)
- Local sponsorship opportunities may also become available
Opportunity 1 – The Youth Assembly
The AFS Youth Assembly is a 3-day conference which brings together the world’s most talented young leaders to learn, engage, and take action on themes of international importance. This year’s themes are
- Global Shocks: Tackling Humanitarian Crises
- Future of Education: Leveraging Technology & Innovation
- Save our Planet: Unite for Climate Action
- Food Security: Strengthen Global Food Systems
Registration is open for youth ages 18-32 with a proven track record of leadership experience, school, or community involvement and are interested in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues. Applicants must be able to secure a U.S. visa, and travel to the United States in August 2024. Registration is $450 USD for the conference programme only – meals, accommodation, travel etc are not included.
Opportunity 2 – AFS NZ Youth Assembly Scholarships
AFS NZ has scholarships available to support two outstanding young people to attend the Youth Assembly as part of our delegation.
Scholarship includes:
- Accommodation during the Youth Assembly
- Registration fee
- Local travel stipend
- Daily food allowance
Eligibility:
- Strong link to AFS NZ e.g. returnee, volunteer, teacher, host sibling
- Meet Youth Assembly requirements (see above)
- Ability to pay for travel insurance, flights, and all other expenses not covered by the scholarship
- Ability to travel to NYC for the conference
Apply by 8 April 2024 at https://forms.gle/jeGdfG6Lyhenr2Ha6
Opportunity 3 – The Youth Assembly Academies
These programmes are 3-5 day add-ons to the Assembly itself and focus on developing connections and expertise in four thematic areas:
- International Affairs for participants interested in the work of international organizations and the United Nations
- Changemakers on creating social impact with a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania
- Climate Entrepreneurship for young leaders interested in becoming trailblazers in climate action
- Educators for young teachers bringing the SDGs into their classrooms around the world.
Find out more about the academies including pricing at www.youthassembly.org/academies/
N.B. If you choose to participate in an Academy programme, you can still be part of the NZ delegation – contact [email protected] to arrange this.
Please circulate this info sheet to any young people who may be interested. We are keen to send a strong delegation from Aotearoa New Zealand in 2024!