A group of Canadian youth joined the 31st AFS Youth Assembly, held from August 12 to 14, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. This international gathering brought together young people and youth leaders from over 80 countries to discuss key topics such as youth leadership, education, sustainable development, international cooperation, and the role of young people in facing shared global challenges. Held under the theme “Rise. Reimagine. Rebuild: A World for All,” the assembly united hundreds of youth, community leaders, educators, civil society activists, and representatives from international organizations. The opening ceremony took place on August 12, coinciding with International Youth Day, marking the first time the AFS Youth Assembly was held in Geneva. The World Health Organization (WHO) served as the main venue, hosting a major part of the event organized by AFS Intercultural Programs in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Attending the Geneva assembly gave Canadian youth a valuable chance to participate in an international forum and exchange ideas with peers from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Over the course of the three-day program, the Canadian participants took part in panels, workshops, networking sessions, and specialized discussions on education, sustainable development, climate action, youth leadership, future skills, social participation, and international cooperation. Featuring more than 35 different sessions, the assembly offered rich opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen leadership skills, and build global networks. The Canadian attendees shared their own insights and experiences shaped by Canada’s diverse, multicultural society.
Canada’s multicultural foundation offers young people wide-ranging opportunities to participate in social, cultural, and educational activities while connecting with people from all walks of life. The Canadian delegates brought these experiences to Geneva, engaging in dialogues about youth participation, community work, cultural exchange, and the role of the younger generation in Canadian society. Their presence ensured that the diverse perspectives of young people living and studying in Canada were represented in global conversations.
Networking served as a cornerstone of the assembly. Canadian participants met with youth leaders, mentors, civil society representatives, and youth program organizers from around the world. These connections opened doors for sharing experiences and exploring potential collaborations in fields like education, culture, youth development, social projects, and international exchange programs. The event underscored the value of creating platforms where youth can join international assemblies, expand their professional networks, and swap ideas across cultures.
A central message of the 31st AFS Youth Assembly was that young people should not be passive observers of global problems, but active players in finding solutions and shaping the future. The program urged participants to take the knowledge, skills, and networks gained in Geneva back to their home communities and translate them into concrete projects. For the Canadian delegation, the assembly prompted fresh thinking on how to apply these takeaways to future youth initiatives, community work, educational projects, and international cooperation, while highlighting the need for greater Canadian youth representation in global forums.
For three days, Geneva served as a global hub for youth of varying cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Beyond addressing pressing global matters, the assembly helped build lasting personal and professional relationships among attendees. For the Canadian participants, it was a chance to learn from international peers, share their own stories, and forge ties for future teamwork. The assembly concluded on August 14 with a celebration of cultural diversity and the new connections made.
For the young participants from Canada, the end of the event marks the start of new ideas, connections, and collaborative opportunities, highlighting how essential the younger generation is in fostering global dialogue, teamwork, and mutual understanding.
Fakhriddin Khudaykulov
( LJI Reporter)
