Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships.
In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, youth are emerging as key drivers of change,
harnessing the power of technology and strategic partnerships to address pressing international
challenges. By 2030, the youth population is projected to comprise 57 percent of the global
demographic, underscoring the urgent need to empower young people with meaningful roles indecision-making and global governance. This demographic shift positions youth not only as
beneficiaries of multilateral policies but as essential partners in shaping them. The theme for
International Youth Day 2025, "Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and
Partnerships," highlights the vital role young people play in redefining multilateral diplomacy. By
leveraging digital tools and fostering cross-sector collaborations, youth are not only amplifying
their voices but also facilitating inclusive, impactful dialogue across nations, cultures, and
institutions.
Digital platforms empower young people to transcend national boundaries, enabling real-time
collaboration on global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and economic disparity.
Through initiatives like virtual hackathons, open-source development, and cross-border social
media campaigns, youth are not only raising awareness but also co-creating innovative solutions
with youth across continents. Their digital fluency allows them to participate in global dialogues
previously limited to diplomats and policymakers, positioning them as active stakeholders in
shaping multilateral agendas. Youth-run digital platforms are being used to mediate conflict and
promote intercultural understanding in regions of unrest. By embedding technology into the
fabric of multilateral cooperation, and by forming dynamic alliances across sectors, the youth are
not just participants, they are architects of a more collaborative and innovative global order.
The theme for International Youth Day 2025, "Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships," highlights the vital role young people play in redefining multilateral diplomacy. This year's observance, organized in collaboration with UNITAR and AFS Intercultural Programs and the Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN, provides a dynamic platform for young leaders, policymakers, diplomats, innovators, and civil society actors to engage in meaningful conversations on how technology and partnerships can strengthen global cooperation. Open to all through public registration, the event will encourage diverse participation, ensuring that voices from various backgrounds contribute to shaping a more connected and collaborative world.
Objectives
1. Highlight and empower the role of youth as active participants and leaders in
international decision-making processes.
2. Explore how digital innovation enables youth to transcend geographical boundaries and
foster effective diplomatic relations.
3. Encourage collaboration between youth, governments, international organizations, civil
society, and the private sector to address global challenges.
4. Create a space where diverse perspectives are shared, promoting equity, mutual
understanding, and cooperative action.
5. Motivate participants to develop initiatives and partnerships that continue beyond the
event, contributing to long-term global cooperation.
Expected Outcomes
1. Enhanced understanding of how youth-led technological initiatives and partnerships can
influence multilateral diplomacy.
2. New connections formed among youth, institutions, and stakeholders, fostering future
joint efforts.
3. Encouragement of young participants to take active roles in diplomatic and global
governance spaces.
4. Compilation of key discussion points and recommendations to be shared with relevant
organizations and participants for continued engagement.
SPEAKERS
● 3:30 - 3:35 pm - Welcome: Yumna Khan, Director of the Youth Assembly and Strategic
Youth Initiatives, AFS
● 3:35 - 3:40 pm - Introduction: Daniel Obst, President and CEO, AFS
● 3:40 - 3:50 - Remarks: H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the
United Nations General Assembly (pending) ● 3:50 - 3:55 pm - Remarks: Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, UN Youth Office (video) ● 3:55 - 4:05 pm - Remarks: Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN ● 4:05 - 4:15 pm - Remarks: Mr. Samim Hamidy, UNITAR ● 4:15 - 4:25 pm - Mr. Eliot Minchenberg, Director, New York Office & Representative to the United Nations, UNESCO (invited) ● 4:25 - 4:30 pm - Youth Remarks: Ms. Daphne Frias, Youth Advocate, Box The Ballot, Forbes 30 under 30 ● 4:30 - 4:35 pm - Remarks: Ms. Azza Karam, Founding President and CEO of Lead Integrity ● 4:35 - 4:45 pm - Remarks: Ms. Jennie Magiera, Global Head of Education Impact at Google YOUTH PANEL SPEAKERS 4:45 - 5:55 pm ● Moderator: Ali Mustafa, AFS Intercultural Programs ● Daphne Frias, Youth Advocate, Box The Ballot, Forbes 30 under 30 ● Shah Chowdhury, Co-Founder and President, Footsteps Bangladesh ● Ilan Enverga, Youth Representative on the UNESCO SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee and Founder & CEO of Global Changemaker Schools ● Dana Al Anzy, Qatar Youth Ambassador, AFS International Board of Trustees Member ● Yugratna Shirawastwa, Co-Chair Major Group of Children and Youth.
Related Documents: Concept note.
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