Events
Machine Learning for Non-Programmers
Speaker:
Kshitij Lohani, Software Engineer, Apple Inc., Distinguished Youth SpeakerDescription:
Coding and machine learning sound like highly difficult and complex topics, but some basic skills can actually prove very practically useful. This session will teach you some basic computer programming skills that will allow you to set up a machine learning tool that can directly help with many projects. It will also give insight into other resources you can go to if you want to enhance your skills in this field after the conference.
United Nations Department of Global Communications: Engaging Youth to Make a Difference
Speaker:
Hawa Diallo, Head of Civil Society Unit, United Nations Department of Global Communications
The Economics of Development: What You Need to Know
Speakers:
Dilip Ratha, Head, KNOMAD
Roger Bain, Media and Thought Leadership Manager, PYXERA Global
Swati Ghosh, Senior Director of Research, International Economic Development Council
Background:
Progress in global development comes from a wide range of different means and sources. In addition to humanitarian projects on the ground, other factors such as private sector growth, foreign direct investment, international trade, taxation, global market fluctuations, remittances, and financial aid can have an immense impact and vast implications. However, development is also one of the most hotly-debated topics in economics, with frequent disagreement over the relative scale and positive or negative influences of the aforementioned factors. This session will aim to introduce some of the major economic trends in global development, and highlight the key issues that young people need to know and be wary of to be successful in this field.
Possible Discussion Points:
May include:
- Are current macroeconomic trends favorable to economic growth in developing countries?
- Should there be fear of another economic crisis? If so, what might it look like, what are the likely effects for developing countries? What can be done to mitigate any risks and/or negative effects?
- How important is the private sector to economic growth and humanitarian efforts in developing countries? How can private sector companies best partner with NGOs and the public sector for maximum impact with such efforts?
- How effective are a foreign direct investment and other forms of international private sector activity in sparking growth?
- What are the benefits and potential negative implications of international trade for economic growth in developing countries? Is there any merit to the current backlash against trade seen in the US?
- How important is official development assistance in modern economies? Is it overused or underused? Are there some forms of aid that are more elective than others, and if so, which are the best?
- What are the implications of the continued rise of Asian economies? Are there any particular implications of this change for less developed countries?
- In 2018, more money “owed into middle and low-income countries from remittances than from FDI or ODA. Is the potential of remittances as a force for growth overlooked?
- What are the implications of globalization for international economic management? Is the current backlash against globalization due to economic mismanagement, and what can be done better?
- The world is seeing unprecedented intra-country income inequality, does this have global implications?
FAF Ambassadors Meet and Greet
Speakers:
Yumna Khan, Youth Development Specialist, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation
Dana Al-Anzy, Qatar
Mariana Saraiva de Melo Pinheiro, Brazil
Sipho Ncube, South Africa
Yiting Wu, China
Amira Al Balghouni, Oman
Description:
Join this session to listen to Ambassadors speak about their transformative experiences in this role. Learn how to become an Ambassador and gain valuable insight.
Engaging Communities in Advocacy
Speakers:
Cheri-Leigh Erasmus, Global Director of Learning, Accountability Lab
Katie Fuhs, Operations and Programs Coordinator, Acountability Lab
Description:
The Accountability Lab supports change-makers to develop and implement positive ideas for integrity in their communities, unleashing positive social and economic change. Through various programs including Citizen Helpdesks, Accountability Lab strives to bring communities, civil society organizations and governments closer together.
All over the world, communities face challenges around their rights, access to services and representation and so much more. In this workshop, participants will explore how data gathered in communities can be used in real-time decision-making to strengthen service delivery and build trust among stakeholders. Participants will learn how using feedback loops can enhance communities’ ability to advocate and engage with their elected officials, private sector actors, and the international development community to co-create sustainable solutions to challenges, with communities’ concerns at the center. This method also helps build unlikely networks between stakeholders who are working on similar challenges.
FAF Ambassadors and Regional Impact Coordinators Award Ceremony
Description:
Enjoy this unique opportunity to attend the Ambassador and Regional Impact Coordinator Awards Ceremony.
The Climate Crisis and Its Threat to Security & Development
Speaker:
Brigadier General Gerald Galloway, Advisory Board Member, The Center for Climate and Security
Eileen Lin, Senior Corporate Engagement Advisor, Global Cities, The Nature Conservancy
Isabella Caltabiano, Research Assistant, The Wilson Center
Emily Sample, Genocide Prevention Program, George Mason University School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Background:
The four focus areas for this session of The Youth Assembly are Human Development, Environment, Peace and Technology, however, it is increasingly clear that each of these fields is intimately connected. In particular, with the effects of climate change beginning to take a toll on the ground, it has become apparent that climate change risks driving hundreds of millions into poverty and creating a major global security threat. If land, air, and sea continue to be polluted, natural habitats unsustainably destroyed, and fish stocks diminished, the world could face dangerous shortages in food, water, and energy, which in turn could cause serious tension and the potential for conflict. This is not to mention the increased risk of disasters from climate change, which can cause sudden and drastic shortfalls of various resources. This panel will discuss just how significant a threat climate change poses to security and other fundamental human needs, as well as offering insight into how this risk might best be addressed, and the role that youth may be able to play in this process. Technology will also be included in the discussion, with an assessment of just how much hope technology gives us in mitigating these risks.
Possible Discussion Points:
- How much effect is climate change already having on the ground in the world today?
- How does climate change affect developing countries differently? What particular risks do developing countries face?
- Climate change is caused by a variety of factors, including air pollution, natural habitat loss and agriculture – which aspects are most dangerous and why?
- How exactly does climate change pose a risk to security? What is a potential conflict scenario that might pan out?
- Recent reports have cited biodiversity, especially in the oceans, as being particularly under threat – could this lead to a security risk as well?
- How can the security risks from climate change be avoided?
- What is the best pathway forward for the international community to address climate change?
- How might new technology aid efforts to mitigate climate change?
- Does new military technology make environmental conflict more or less likely?
- What are the best things young people can do in their communities to help with this issue?
Introduction to Fundraising and US Grant Applications
Speaker:
Elizabeth Madjlesi, Community Outreach Manager, Foundation Center, Candid
Description:
This workshop will give you tips and tools to succeed in fundraising, one of the most difficult parts of implementing a new project or initiative. In particular, it will offer information on grants from the US, which offers by far the most domestic and international grants of any country in the world, and will give advice on how to successfully apply.
A Different Way of Doing Business: Rooting Out Inequities in Supply Chains
Speakers:
Jane Hwang, President and CEO, Social Accountability International
Thao Pham, Senior Vice President of Community and Social Equity, Clif Bar and Company
Altair Rodriguez, Farmer and Coordinator for the Living Income Cacao Program, Consultant, Clif Bar and Company
Description:
Solving global poverty demands doing business differently — but what’s possible?
In this session, Social Accountability International (a world-leading non-profit organization) and Clif Bar (a company renown for their social responsibility) will highlight how the business community can create a positive impact on the world. In particular, they will look at how imbalances in global supply chains can leave farmers and workers earning far less than a living wage or income. They will share examples from their work, including a unique partnership with cacao farmers, and will show you how to:
- Inspire people to make living income and wages a business norm.
- Mobilize consumers to demand ethically- and sustainably- produced products.
- Inspire policymakers to make and enforce effective laws promoting human rights in global supply chains.