‘Al-Mizan’ was discussed in the New York Youth Assembly program
Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Platform Director Prof. İbrahim Özdemir attended the 29th Annual Youth Assembly of the AFS Youth Assembly program held in New York. He attended the session as a panelist. Speaking at the panel titled "Humanitarian Crises in Climate Change: Human-Centered Solutions", Özdemir drew attention to how the climate crisis contributes to and intensify humanitarian emergencies on a global scale. Özdemir, also gave information about Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth and stated that "We must come together before it is too late."
The AFS Youth Assembly celebrated 20 years of empowering young people around the world and transforming their lives. The theme of the 29th session was determined as "Building Our Common Future". The program held in New York was also an important meeting in preparation for the United Nations the Summit of the Future.
Prof. Özdemir from Türkiye participated in the panel, in which the lives of the people most affected by the climate crisis were examined and what the international community can do to mitigate and prevent such disasters for today's and tomorrow's generations was examined in depth. Özdemir gave information about Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth Mizan and also emphasized the role of young people in this field, especially focusing on human-centered solutions and ethical approaches.
Prof. İbrahim Özdemir: "We must come together before it is too late"
Referring to the need to come together to create a peaceful world, Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Department of Philosophy Instructor and Director of Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Platform Prof. Özdemir made the following remarks: "As global citizens, we need to come together to save our planet, our people, and our common prosperity, and we need to create a peaceful world where we and future generations can live and thrive. The theme will focus on solidarity and strong partnerships. As UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stated, ‘Everyone must step up in this second half.’ We need to come together before it is too late."
"We are facing increasing humanitarian crises"
Stating that every life is important, Özdemir expressed that "At this midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, there is both urgency and unprecedented opportunity to overcome challenges. Global issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, food insecurity, and the learning crisis have greatly hindered the development efforts and livelihoods of people around the world. The conflict has forced millions of people to flee their homes without fundamental necessities and to live in increasingly unstable and deteriorating conditions. As a result, today we are facing a growing number of humanitarian crises that disproportionately affect already vulnerable groups such as women and children. Conflicts are about human life and the dignity of life, and how we approach and value life. Every life counts, and how we approach it matters."
"There are 1.2 billion young people who will pave the way for transformative solutions"
Pointing out that the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes will be an indivisible part of restoring trust, Özdemir stated that "Everyone can play their part everywhere. Especially young people can make progress for future generations. There are 1.2 billion young people around the world who will pave the way for transformative solutions for sustainable development. The United Nations will seek to enhance cooperation within the framework of the Summit of the Future. Restoring trust in people, institutions, and systems will be key to working together to make a meaningful impact. The participation and inclusion of young people in decision-making will be an indivisible part of restoring trust, which we critically need today."
They will get the relevant resources and opportunities they need...
Evaluating the outputs of the conference, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir expressed that "The AFS Youth Assembly brings together the world's most talented young leaders to learn, engage, and take action. This conference will equip hundreds of young people with the new knowledge, skills and networks needed to become leaders who can initiate positive change on the global stage. Through discussions, skill-building workshops, networking and idea competitions, and with the support of experts and practitioners in the field, young participants will gain the relevant resources and opportunities they need to become equal partners in bringing about change."
4 main topics were discussed at the conference
As a result of consultations with hundreds of young leaders around the world, the agenda of the 29th program was identified as four key areas where there are urgent challenges and exciting potential for young people to come together and take action. These are as follows:
“Global Shocks: Tackling Humanitarian Crises
The Future of Education: Leveraging Technology and Innovation
Transforming Our Future: Unite for Climate Action
Food Security: Strengthen Global Food Systems”
Participants had the opportunity to focus on a single key area in detail, as well as examine various topics according to their preferences and expertise. The program also discussed the intersection of these issues.
To further enrich the AFS Youth Assembly experience, the program also offers Delegates International Relations for participants with an interest in the work of international organizations and the United Nations, Changemakers on social impact with a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania, Climate Entrepreneurship for young leaders who want to be pioneers in climate action, and Educators for young teachers who bring the SDGs to their classrooms around the world Four comprehensive thematic academies were presented for study.
Partnerships and motivation were targeted
During the AFS Youth Assembly, delegates aimed to build partnerships and motivation by connecting with influential young leaders, experts and practitioners from different sectors and world regions. It also aimed to explore groundbreaking new tools, knowledge, training, and resources to succeed in its projects, and to participate in new initiatives and opportunities to accelerate impact in local communities and the world by co-creating solutions.
They were equipped to make a difference in society
It is a strong cross-sectoral and cross-country network (already 20,000 strong in 160 countries) that connects the next generation of leaders, which were transformed into action-based projects and initiatives after the conference as a result of the AFS Youth Assembly. Delegates left the conference equipped to face challenges, seize opportunities, and make a difference in their communities.
Participants experienced the AFS Youth Assembly not as an event, but as part of a journey to help them bring about positive change in their communities and around the world.
They were encouraged to stay in touch with the global alumni community
To continue their impact journey, delegates were encouraged to stay in touch with the global alumni community as part of an international movement of young changemakers developing groundbreaking solutions to overcome the world's biggest challenges. Delegates were also encouraged to take on leadership roles in AFS Youth Assembly programs, to be the change they seek in their communities, and to offer these unique opportunities to young changemakers locally.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)