Events
Education for Sustainable Development: Building a Movement Starts in the Classroom
Speakers:
Sam Loni, Global Coordinator, SDSN-Youth Kayla Colyard, Events Project Lead, SDSN-YouthDescription:
Join this session to learn more about the crucial importance of education for achieving the SDGs, and what you can do to help. SDSN-Youth will teach you concrete skills for spreading education on the SDGs in your community, and guide through the programs and resources they offer that you will be able to make use of after the conference.
Advocating for Change: Harnessing the Power of Your Story
Speakers:
Josh Kurtz, Director of Policy Development, The Nature Conservancy
Christina Thompson, Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy
Lena Easton-Calabria, Urban Conservation Associate, The Nature Conservancy
Description:
The Nature Conservancy is one of the leading environmental organizations in the world. In this workshop, they will show you how to harness the power of your own personal story to create a powerful advocacy campaign and drive change, within environmental and other fields.
Pathways to Peace and Justice: The Role of Youth
Speakers:
Ali Mustafa, Youth Representative to U.N. Department of Global Communications
Aubrey Cox, Youth Program Lead, U.S. Institute for Peace
Steve Chase, Manager of Academic Initiatives, International Center on Nonviolent Conflict
Quscondy Abdulshafi, Peace Activist, Research Consultant at Dexis Consulting Group
Farheen Naveed, CEO, Drug Free Pakistan Foundation
Background:
War and violence not only destroy human lives but also bring devastating long-term implications such as the destruction of infrastructure, livelihoods, and economies, which in turn causes thousands to flee as refugees. Youth are often the group most adversely affected by conflict, as conflict can wipe out educational and economic opportunities. For example, 1.8 million children and adolescents in Syria lost access to school due to conflict, and 50% of youth in Palestine are unemployed. Moreover, many children around the world are still forced to work as soldiers, and according to the Child Soldiers World Index, “At least 46 States still recruit children under the age of 18 into their armed forces.” Additionally, we are seeing the emergence of youth being targets of online radicalization — social media being a particular channel used by terrorist groups such as ISIS for recruitment. On a global scale, although approximately 50% of the 1.4 billion people living in countries impacted by crises and fragility are under the age of 20, the role of youth is often ignored and youth have typically been one of the most excluded groups from peace dialogues. United Nations Member States recognized this lack of representation with the 2015 adoption of Security Council Resolution 2250 on youth, peace, and security, which urges countries “to increase the inclusive representation of youth in decision-making at all levels.” Nonetheless, much more work on the inclusion and representation of youth is needed, and better guidance offered on how youth can push for a better world without falling into violence and conflict. This panel will aim to discuss not only how youth are affected by conflict, but also practical ways in which youth can engage in peace efforts and support non-violent movements, both safely and meaningfully.
Possible Discussion Points:
- What do you think is the role of youth in peacebuilding efforts? What are some practical ways youth can contribute to peace efforts?
- What specific strengths do youth have to harness to make an impact in peacemaking efforts?
- How are the youth in particular affected by wars and conflicts? Have they been increasingly affected in recent years?
- Aside from national or civil wars, what other causes of violence have the most effect on youth, and how can these be prevented?
- How can youth be better protected from violent extremism? Many terrorist organizations are now attempting to use social media to radicalize youth – how can this threat be mitigated?
- Is modern technology and social media changing the role of youth in peace and conflict – if so, in a positive or negative way? How can young people harness technology to do good?
- Has the inclusion and recognition of youth in official peace processes improved since the adoption of Resolution 2250? How might these efforts be further fortified?
- What advice would give to young people in a conflict zone? How about young people in an area where tension is building and future conflict is possible?
- For young people living in a country where there are significant social issues, how can they push for change and relieve tension in a safe and non-violent manner?
- How important are gender issues to consider in peace and non-violent movements?
- How could education be improved to better prepare young people for peace and conflict issues?
Preventing The Sixth Great Extinction: Protecting our Planet’s Wildlife
Speakers:
Isabella Caltabiano, Research Assistant, The Wilson Center
Pamela Collins, Associate Scientist, Conservation International
Sarah Gibbens, Writer, National Geographic
Margaret O’Gorman, President, Wildlife Habitat Council
Ethan Freedman, Senior Media Production Officer, Rainforest Trust
Background:
The Sustainable Development Goals aim to achieve a future where humans and the environment can thrive together, but currently, this is the goal perhaps furthest from being met with vast implications at stake for nature and humanity. Nature is declining globally at rates “unprecedented in human history”, and most scientists agree that we are entering the Sixth Mass Extinction of Earth ’s geological history. 1 million animal and plant species risk extinction as climate change and other human behaviors such as deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and unsustainable agricultural practices are accelerating biodiversity loss and other new ecological and economic challenges worldwide. Oceans are also suffering, with nearly 90% of the world’s marine fish stocks exploited, overexploited or depleted, and predictions that oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight by 2050. As biodiversity decreases, human food security, medical discoveries, and the tourism industry are at great risk. According to the UN, current negative trends in biodiversity and ecosystems will undermine progress towards 80% (35 out of 44) of the assessed targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty, hunger, health, water, cities, climate, oceans, and land. Humans and the environment are closely interconnected, so actions must be taken to build a more sustainable and secure future. This panel will discuss the challenges and risks that wildlife and biodiversity face, the corresponding risks to humans, and will explore how youth can engage in actions that create a more healthy and sustainable environment.
Possible Discussion Points:
- What types of wildlife are most at risk? Which regions face the most urgent situations?
- Aside from the devastating loss of natural wonders, what other impacts does biodiversity loss have on societies and economies?
- Will biodiversity loss impact progress towards achieving the other SDGs?
- What can be done to support developing countries that face biodiversity loss, but also many additional social challenges? How can the case be made to give more priority to protecting wildlife?
- Is there a way to rebuild and restabilize ecosystems after they have suffered biodiversity loss?
- What impact does climate change have on ecosystems and biodiversity?
- Is it possible to make protection of biodiversity more affordable and marketable, such as through tourism?
- What can individuals do to decrease biodiversity loss?
- How can more young people be engaged with the importance of this issue? What is the best way for youth to take action?
- What additional agreements and plans are needed on the international stage to resolve this issue?
Harnessing Technology and Social Media for Your Cause
Speaker:
Sarah Swan, Marketing Manager, Media Cause
Description:
Join this session to learn about the incredible power of technology to help raise awareness and support for any project, campaign or initiative you are working on, and how to turn social media into a tool that brings you a great advantage.
Ending Poverty: The Resources We Need
Speakers:
Kayla Colyard, Events Project Lead, SDSN-Youth
Mary Kate Costello, Senior Policy Analyst, The Hunger Project
Carly Kraybill, Global Advocacy Campaign Specialist, Habitat for Humanity
Andrew Wainer, Director of Policy Research, Save the Children USA
Sam Loni, Global Coordinator, SDSN-Youth
Background:
Extreme poverty remains one of humanity’s most urgent challenges but is also an issue where we know great progress can be made. From the early 1990s to the late 2010s, extreme poverty declined by two thirds, and those living on less than $1.90 per day fell from 26.9% percent in 2000 to 9.2% percent in 2017. However, this progress is not enough, considering some 783 million people still live in extreme poverty, with children and youth often disproportionately affected. Moreover, the poverty rates in certain areas are increasing, including areas suffering from fragility, conflict, and violence where rates climbed to 36% in 2015, up from a low of 34.4% in 2011. In addition, many have been thrown into poverty due to natural disasters, with $300 billion of economic value lost from disasters in 2017 alone. This panel will discuss the latest progress and pathways toward eliminating poverty and securing the key resources that people need to escape poverty, such as food, shelter, education, financial security, and economic opportunities. Particular attention will be paid to how young people can make an impact in this field, and help ensure that these resources become available to those in need as fast as possible.
Possible Discussion Points:
- Poverty rates have dropped considerably in recent decades. What has proved the most effective method for poverty reduction?
- On the other hand, some countries are still seeing very slow progress in ending poverty – what are the main factors giving these countries such difficulty? What strategies from successful countries can be transferred abroad?
- How in particular are children and youth impacted by poverty? What key resources must be provided to children and youth to ensure they escape poverty?
- How can the international community better work together to end poverty?
- 10% of the global population is undernourished, yet some countries waste up to a third of food produce. How can hunger and undernourishment be stamped out once and for all?
- How important is quality housing for ending poverty? Is there a proven best method of reducing homelessness?
- How is progress being made to increase public education access/success for those under the poverty line? Is targeting education an effective means of reducing poverty?
- How important are financial security and economic opportunities for ending poverty? How can these best be provided?
- Is good and stable governance essential for reducing poverty? What role can the private and NGO sectors play?
- Is $1.90 per day an appropriate benchmark for poverty? Or do modern times call for a new definition of poverty?
- What skills, knowledge, and practices do young people need to make an impact in this field?
The 24th Session of The Youth Assembly
Join hundreds of young leaders and changemakers from around the world at The Youth Assembly this coming August for a life-changing experience!
The Youth Assembly is a unique global platform that empowers the next generation of leaders and change-makers with opportunities to connect, learn, and take action on issues they care about.
Our most exceptional young leaders have the opportunity to amplify their voice at the global stage while aspiring social entrepreneurs with the best proposals compete for mentorship, resources, and seed funding.
This year, we are hosting the 24th Session of The Youth Assembly in Washington, D.C. from August 8-10, 2019 with the theme “New Horizons for Global Youth”.
What to expect at The Youth Assembly:
- Keynote Talks – Get inspiration from today’s trailblazers and influencers
- Thematic Discussions – Interact with panels of experts and leaders in various areas of inquiry
- Skill-building Workshops – Engage in in-depth discussions or activities to develop practical skills
- Impact Challenge – Finalists pitch ideas to a panel of experts for seed funding and mentorship
- Delegate Networking – Make connections with young leaders from all over the world
- Awarding Ceremony – Find out the winners of the Outstanding Youth Delegate Award and Impact Challenge
- Field/Site Visits* – Get an inside look into the workings of global and national institutions and organizations
- Special Events* – Make new friends or collaborators from members of our global community
*Only included in the Global Development Leadership (GDL) Series
YA24 Live Preview: Catalyzing Youth Action for Global Impact
Join this webinar to learn how you can join the movement of young leaders creating a global impact for a better world
As an organization with over 45 years of history, the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation will discuss how it is accelerating youth leadership for action and calls upon others to join in this mission by sharing our approach to engaging youth and facilitating impact.
In this webinar, we will discuss our Theory of Change and its 3 pillars, (Connect/Engage, Educate/Develop, Action/Impact), and explain how we implement these using an integrated approach. Within the context of our four focus areas: Environment, Human Development, Peace, and Technology, we will discuss how youth can make a strong impact in each of these fields, and how we are applying our Theory of Change to try to solve some of these leading global challenges.
During this webinar, we hope to go deeper into this theory by showcasing actual youth projects on the ground, demonstrate how it can lead to the empowerment of youth to become the leaders and changemakers who will strive together to create a sustainable world free of war, oppression, exclusion, and poverty.
Speakers:
Andrew Macdonald, Executive Director, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation
Yumna Khan, Youth Development Specialist, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation
Discussion Points:
– Why the world needs youth action
– How youth action can create the most impact
– How to launch a project of your own
– How FAF can help you create an impact in your community
YA24 Live Preview: Pathways to Peace and Justice: The Role of Youth
Join this webinar to learn about the extraordinary impact that young people can and are having in peace-building across the world. Conflict often has a disproportionate effect on youth, yet youth are too often excluded from the dialogue on this topic. The U.N. has begun to try to change this, notably with the passing of Security Council Resolution 2250. This webinar will analyze the still-developing role of youth in building peace and justice and will have an additional focus on the non-violent ways that youth can actively engage with movements and initiatives to strengthen peace, justice, and institutions in their own countries and communities.
Speakers:
Hardy Merriman, President of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict
Aubrey Cox, Program Lead, Youth, U.S. Institute for Peace
Discussion Points:
– How are the youth in particular affected by violence and conflict?
– How has the role of youth in building peace and justice been seen in the past, and how is this changing?
– What are the practical ways that youth can engage in peace-building in the world today?
– What nonviolent strategies can youth pursue to strive for progress and change without the risk of conflict?
YA24 Live Preview: Automating Inequality: How Algorithms Preserve Gender Inequality
Join this webinar to learn how one of the most hyped-up technological advances, artificial intelligence (AI), may in fact be entrenching gender inequality. With technology advancing so fast, such innovations offer immense opportunities, but also come with unknown risks and repercussions that must be better considered. The upcoming Youth Assembly will explore both the challenges and opportunities posed by the new technological era and the 4th Industrial Revolution. AI, in particular, is increasingly becoming part of people’s everyday lives but is also facing growing scrutiny due to its opaque nature and the risk of data-driven discrimination. This webinar will discuss these challenges, with a particular focus on AI and algorithms and their effects on gender inequality.
Speaker: Sarah Awan, Manager, Digital, PwC
Discussion Points:
– Does new technology pose more challenges or opportunities for addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality and human rights?
– How do artificial intelligence and algorithms work and how are they being applied?
– How is AI affecting gender inequality?
– How should we respond to cases where AI or other new technologies are doing harm?