Support #EndPoverty Day

Today is #EndPoverty Day! Together with young leaders and changemakers around the world, we believe we can #endpoverty by 2030.

In an upcoming report "Fair Progress: Educational Mobility Around the World", World Bank takes a look at how influential the social status of one's parents is in determining a person's future. The report suggests that in order to break the cycle of poverty, we have to work towards a society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

Here at Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, we believe that we can be the first generation that can end poverty. Hence, empowering this generation, particularly young people, is critical to achieving this goal. If we invest in young people's education and provide them with opportunities and tools necessary for their success, we are one step closer to realizing a future where no one is left behind.

Help us spread the word about the importance of today's message by doing any of the following:

1. Show your support on Facebook by updating your profile picture with World Bank's End Poverty frame.

2. Write an op-ed piece in response to or in the context of the upcoming report, which tackles economic mobility across generations and why it matters for reducing poverty and inequality. Please email yamedia@faf.org for more information.

3. Join the movement by signing up here to get exclusive updates on online events, contests, campaigns, and social media challenges from World Bank.

Applications are now open for 2018 Winter Youth Assembly

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF) is pleased to announce the dates for the upcoming session of the Youth Assembly in 2018. Organized on the theme of “Innovation and Collaboration for a Sustainable World,” the 21st session of the Youth Assembly is tentatively scheduled from 14-16 February 2018 and will serve as a forum to open up new pathways for cooperation, while harnessing the creativity and energy of youth delegates for global impact. In alignment with the upcoming 2018 High-Level Political Forum, the conference will focus on the environmental dimensions of the 2030 Agenda, particularly Goals 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15. Read the Concept Note →

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

FAF invites youth from around the world to apply for next year's Winter Youth Assembly. Delegate applications are open to youth between the ages of 16 to 28 who exemplify strong potential or have made an impact as leaders and changemakers in their communities. Interested applicants who are 29 years or older may apply as an Observer. Apply now →

Early Bird-Registration

Participants who register during the Early-Bird registration period (16 October - 30 November 2017) have the opportunity to attend a briefing/visit at a Permanent Mission to the United Nations, in addition to all of the sessions at the Youth Assembly at the United Nations. Read FAQs →

Outstanding Youth Delegate Award

Carrying on this year's successful run, FAF will once again recognize two (2) Outstanding Youth Delegates for the 2018 Winter edition. The winners will have the unique opportunity to speak during the Youth Assembly and inspire other young people through their work and commitment to global development and the success of the SDGs.

More opportunities for accepted delegates will be announced next year.

Delegate Package

The Delegate Package is designed to extend the Youth Assembly experience beyond the conference and provide an exclusive networking opportunity to delegates, in addition to affordable accommodation and meals during their stay in the United States. More information will be announced soon!

Application for the Campus Ambassadors Program is now open!

The application for the Youth Assembly Campus Ambassadors Program is now open!

The Campus Ambassador Program aims to expand our reach among leading universities and colleges across the globe. It is intended for undergraduate or graduate students who have previously attended the Youth Assembly and are looking to increase representation from their respective universities or colleges.

Find more information here. Application ends on September 21, 2017.

MEDIA ADVISORY: 2017 Summer Youth Assembly at the United Nations

Media Contacts:

• Jeanina Casusi jeanina@faf.org
• Rhett Vahos rhett@faf.org

WHEN:

9-12 August 2017

WHAT:

The 20th session of the Youth Assembly will explore cross-cutting issues and solutions for sustainable development, guided by the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s overarching principle of “leaving no one behind”. Young leaders attending the event will be equipped with opportunities and tools to develop a better understanding of their role and how to take the steps toward action and implementation.

The conference aims to transform the way young people think, act, and speak about critical issues of the 21st century. By and large, it would highlight the importance of dialogue, partnership, and collaboration in achieving inclusive and sustainable development at both local and global levels. Executive summaries and recommendations of the focal discussions will be put forward at the closing session and will be made publicly available after the conference to all participants and relevant stakeholders.

Press releases:

3 UN Member States to co-organize the Youth Assembly as Lead Endorsers

FAF partners with Dear World to capture stories of emerging leaders at the Youth Assembly

WHO:

Attendees include nearly 1,000 young leaders, change-makers, and entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, who are actively involved in their communities and possess strong interest in sustainable development and the work of the United Nations. Speakers include ambassadors, diplomats, experts, and leaders in sustainable and global development across many sectors. Some of the speakers at the event will include:

9 August 2017

• H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the 71st United Nations General Assembly

• H.E. Mr. Macharia Kamau, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the UN

• H.E. Ms. Cristina Pucarinho, Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations

• H.E. Mr. Amrith Rohan Perrera, Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

10 August 2017

• Paul Edlund, Chief Technologist, Core Technologies at Microsoft

• Lynetria “Fresh” Johnson, Dear World

• Stefan Oberman, Chief of Staff, AeroFarms

• Jana Levene, Business Development, Area120 at Google

• Angelica Silvero, Head of Speakers Bureau at World Bank Group

11 August 2017

• Bernadette Anat, Teen Community Lead, Instagram

• Courtney Coupe, VP Content, Great Big Story

• Amy Lieberman, United Nations Correspondent, Devex

• Sandra Carvao, Chief, Communications, UNWTO

12 August 2017

• H.E. Ms. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UN Office in Belgrade

• Isabelle Perez Dabarro, Project Leader, SDSN-Youth

• Oliver Libby, Chair & Co-Founder, The Resolution Project

Outstanding Youth Delegate Winners

• Natalie Hampton (USA) - “Say No Bullying Festival”

• Pamir Ehsas (Norway/Afghanistan) - “Between Here and Home: A Refugee’s Story”

Scholarship Recipient:

• Wantoe Wantoe (Liberia) - “FAF Selects Its First Youth Assembly Scholarship Awardee”

See more updates on the program: www.youthassembly.nyc/program-agenda

WHY:

As the largest and most interconnected youth population in history, today’s generation is a remarkable force to be reckoned with. While young people are among those constantly affected by global challenges, they remain at the frontline of innovation and change with their unique set of skills and perspectives. Their participation, therefore, is fundamental to addressing the world’s most pressing issues, such as poverty, injustice, and climate change. The 2017 Summer Youth Assembly presents both an enormous opportunity and a challenge to stimulate and ensure youth engagement and participation in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

INFORMATION FOR MEDIA:

The event is only open to media outlets with UN accreditation. To get accreditation, please go to http://www.un.org/en/media/accreditation/

To RSVP or request for interviews with participants, please fill out this form http://bit.ly/2u0ltwq or email the media contacts listed above.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Follow the hashtag #SocietyForAll #YouthAssembly and @YouthAssembly on Twitter.

For more information on the Youth Assembly at the United Nations, please go to www.youthassembly.nyc

FAF partners with Dear World to capture stories of emerging leaders at the Youth Assembly

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, a leading not-for-profit organization in youth leadership and cultural exchange, is proud to announce its partnership with Dear World for the upcoming Youth Assembly at the United Nations this summer. The partnership will provide an opportunity for attendees of the conference to share their unique experiences, identities, and stories through Dear World’s renowned interactive approach to portrait and storytelling.

The Youth Assembly will be attended by nearly 1,000 young leaders, changemakers, and entrepreneurs from more than 100 countries, who are actively involved in their communities and possess a strong interest in sustainable development and the work of the United Nations.

In line with the conference’s theme “Society for All: Equity and Inclusion for a Sustainable Future.”, Dear World’s interactive portrait shoot will encourage a greater sense of community, belonging, and connection, between and among attendees from all over the world.

During the main sessions, Lynetria “Fresh” Johnson of Dear World will be delivering a keynote designed to inspire attendees with impactful stories they have heard from all over the world – from a former NFL football player who now battles ALS, to an 11-year-old Syrian refugee.

On the third day, a portrait shoot will be open to interested participants, where they will have a chance to take their photos and work with Dear World on how to dig deeper into the stories they want to share through their portraits.

In celebration of International Youth Day, Dear World will take the stage at the closing ceremony of the conference to showcase portrait highlights and reflect on inspiring stories of the Youth Assembly community.

ABOUT THE YOUTH ASSEMBLY

The Youth Assembly at the United Nations is the global gathering of the next generation of leaders, social entrepreneurs, social activists, and advocates of sustainable development. It is a unique platform for discussion and partnership between youth and the international community. Since the program’s inception in 2004, the Youth Assembly has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of young individuals from over 100 countries and has spawned numerous youth-led projects around the world.

ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AMBASSADORS FOUNDATION

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds friendships, advance mutual understanding, and promote global cooperation and development through transformative intercultural exchanges, youth leadership, humanitarian volunteer service, and artistic programs, which often support the United Nations and its development goals.

FAF is associated with the United Nations through UN Department of Public Information (DPI) and has Consultative Status with UNESCO and Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC. FAF has partnered with notable organizations, including the World Bank Group, Microsoft YouthSpark, PepsiCo, The Resolution Project, among many others. These formal affiliations place FAF in a unique position to bring the youth closer to the UN and its agenda while connecting them with opportunities that allow them to take the next step towards making an impact.  

ABOUT DEAR WORLD

Dear World takes a community's portrait by sharing the specific stories of its people. Our storytelling process allows colleagues, strangers, and friends to learn about each other through their portraits. It's a tool used by some of the top companies in the world to learn about their people in a unique, creative and engaging way.

Our work has been published in over 30 countries, and Oprah.com said, "Some of the photographs suggest an untold story that gives your spine a shiver."

Dear World has photographed over 60,000 people across the world. We use a portion of their revenues to underwrite and produce projects around the world, which document people with incredible stories to share.

At Dear World, our team works closely with companies and organizations who recognize that when colleagues know more about each other and the people they serve, the work improves. Our process began simply, asking each person to share a story that only they can tell.

3 UN Member States to co-organize the Youth Assembly as Lead Endorsers

Greenwich, CT – Over 1,000 young leaders and professionals from around the world will join ambassadors, diplomats, experts, and leaders in sustainable and global development for the 2017 Summer Youth Assembly at the UN, which takes place from August 9 to 12, 2017.

Now in its 20th session, the Youth Assembly (YA) will be co-organized by three Permanent Missions to the United Nations as the assembly's Lead Endorsers: Republic of Kenya, Portugal, and Sri Lanka.

The following are the statements of support from the Permanent Missions:

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Macharia Kamau and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations

“The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya is pleased to be a lead endorser of the 20th session of the Youth Assembly at the UN. We now have 13 years to ensure the successful implementation of each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, young people are the change agents and critical partners that will make this possible. The YA is an opportunity to listen and address the concerns of youth and engage them as equal partners on this journey towards 2030."

“The YA is an opportunity to listen and address the concerns of youth and engage them as equal partners on this journey towards 2030.”

— Ambassador H.E. Mr. Macharia Kamau and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Álvaro Mendonça e Moura and the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations

“Portugal has been a staunch supporter of the Youth Agenda at the UN and our commitment to this year’s Youth Assembly reflects my country’s position towards a full, meaningful and inclusive youth participation in all aspects regarding youth at the United Nations.

It is fundamental to recognize the impact of young people as global citizens and their role in shaping the global and national development agendas and to call for enhanced youth meaningful participation in the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs. Today’s youth population, particularly those who will become adults during the 15-year time span covered by the SDGs, have the ambition, commitment and interest in seeing the success of this transformative development agenda. If countries are to succeed in achieving the SDGs, by leaving no one behind, governments must seek out an active and substantive engagement of young women and men from diverse backgrounds in the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda.”

“Portugal has been a staunch supporter of the Youth Agenda at the UN and our commitment to this year’s Youth Assembly reflects my country’s position towards a full, meaningful and inclusive youth participation in all aspects regarding youth at the United Nations.”

— Ambassador H.E. Mr. Álvaro Mendonça e Moura and the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations 

Ambassador H.E. Dr. Amrith Rohan Perera and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

“Sri Lanka is delighted to be a part of the 20th Session of the Youth Assembly this year. We all are well aware that young people are the agents of change of the future of this world, and their commitment to realizing our future goals, set in the 2030 Agenda, is of utmost importance. In this context the theme of this year’s Youth Assembly, ‘leaving no one behind’ underlines an extremely significant concept. This event stands testimony to the unwavering commitment of our youth in making a better future, leaving no one behind.”

“...the theme of this year’s Youth Assembly, ‘leaving no one behind’ underlines an extremely significant concept. This event stands testimony to the unwavering commitment of our youth in making a better future, leaving no one behind.”

— Ambassador H.E. Dr. Amrith Rohan Perera and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

The following is a statement from H.E. Ms. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office in Belgrade, who has been supporting the Youth Assembly for many years, and serves as its Honorary Chair since the start of 2016.

H.E. Ms. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office

“It’s been 20 years since the admirable Friendship Ambassadors Foundation has been organizing the Youth Assembly to the UN – a wonderful opportunity for youngsters from all over the world to network and debate on crucial issues for them and the humanity! I am glad that this year’s anniversary edition is devoted again to sustainable development issues, from a social, economic, and environmental angle.

I am honored to continue to serve as the honorary chair of the Youth Assembly and I know that I’ll witness many ways in which youth’s incredible drive and commitment can change things for the better. Actually, young people demonstrate, every day, their clear power for transformational change, with their fresh energies, and brilliant creativity! That is why the younger generation, now and in the future, will play a crucial role in how our world adapts to all current tough challenges and tries to overcome them. I cannot wait to meet the Youth Assembly participants, talk to them, work with and for them!”

“I am honored to continue to serve as the honorary chair of the Youth Assembly and I know that I’ll witness many ways in which youth’s incredible drive and commitment can change things for the better.”

— H.E. Ms. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office in Belgrade

This year's YA presents both an enormous opportunity and a challenge to stimulate and ensure youth engagement and participation in achieving an inclusive and sustainable future. 

Guided by the overarching principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, “leaving no one behind,” the conference will explore cross-cutting issues and solutions for sustainable development in the social, economic, and environmental dimensions. 

The conference begins with an opening ceremony and concludes on International Day of Youth. Sessions will be led by reputable organizations and are designed to equip young people with pertinent information and relevant skills to help them become active participants in the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Youth Assembly is a project of Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that builds friendships, advances mutual understanding, and promotes global cooperation and development through transformative intercultural exchanges, youth leadership, humanitarian volunteer service, and artistic programs.

Recognizing the important role of civil society in ensuring the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Foundation works toward bringing the global community together in an atmosphere of collaboration towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

For media inquiries, please contact: yamedia@faf.org