‘Mizan’ Discussed at New York Youth Assembly Program

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Director of Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Platform, participated as a panelist in the 29th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly program held in New York. Speaking at the panel titled “Humanitarian Crises in Climate Change: Human-Centered Solutions,” Özdemir drew attention to how the climate crisis contributes to global humanitarian emergencies and exacerbates these crises. Özdemir, who also provided information about Mizan: A Covenant with the Earth, said, “We must come together before it’s too late.”

The AFS Youth Assembly celebrated its 20th anniversary in empowering young people and transforming their lives worldwide. The theme of the 29th Session was determined as “Building Our Common Future.” The program in New York was also an important gathering in preparation for the United Nations Summit of the Future.

Prof. Dr. Özdemir from Turkey participated in the panel, where the lives of people most affected by the climate crisis were examined, and what the international community can do to mitigate and prevent such disasters for present and future generations was thoroughly discussed. Özdemir, who also provided information about Mizan: A Covenant with the Earth, emphasized the role of youth in this field, particularly focusing on human-centered solutions and ethical approaches.

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir: “We must come together before it’s too late”

Prof. Dr. Özdemir, a faculty member of the Philosophy Department at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Director of Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Platform, touched upon the necessity of coming together to create a peaceful world, stating: “As global citizens of the AFS Youth Assembly, we need to come together to save our planet, our people, our common prosperity, and 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 also stated, ‘In this second half, everyone must put their shoulder to the wheel.’ We must come together before it’s too late.”

“We are facing increasingly growing humanitarian crises”

Özdemir, stating that every life matters, said: “At this midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, there is both an urgency and an unprecedented opportunity to overcome challenges. Global issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, food insecurity, and the learning crisis have largely hindered the development efforts and livelihoods of people around the world. Conflicts have forced millions of people to leave their homes without basic necessities and to live in increasingly unstable and deteriorating conditions. As a result, today we face increasingly growing 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 matters, and how we approach it matters too.”

“There are 1.2 billion young people to pave the way for transformative solutions”

Özdemir emphasized that the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes will be an integral part of rebuilding trust, stating: “Everyone everywhere can play their part. Young people, in particular, can drive progress for future generations. There are 1.2 billion young people worldwide to 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. Rebuilding 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 processes will be an integral part of rebuilding the trust we critically need today.”

They will gain the relevant resources and opportunities they need…

Evaluating the outcomes of the conference, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir said: “The AFS Youth Assembly brings together the world’s most talented young leaders to learn, interact, 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 driving change.”

4 Main Topics Were Addressed at the Conference

As a result of consultations with hundreds of young leaders worldwide, four key areas were identified for the 29th program agenda, presenting urgent challenges and exciting potential for youth to come together and take action. These are: 

“Global Shocks: Tackling Humanitarian Crises, 

The Future of Education: Leveraging Technology and Innovation, 

Transform Our Future: Unite for Climate Action, 

Food Security: Strengthening Global Food Systems”

Participants had the opportunity to focus in detail on a single core area or explore various topics according to their preferences and expertise. The program also addressed the intersections of these topics.

At the same time, to further enrich the AFS Youth Assembly experience, Delegates were offered four comprehensive thematic academies to explore: International Relations for participants interested in the work of international organizations and the United Nations; Changemakers, focusing on creating social impact with a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania; Climate Entrepreneurship for young leaders aspiring to be pioneers in climate action; and Educators for young teachers bringing SDGs to their classrooms around the world.

Partnerships and Motivation Targeted 

Throughout the AFS Youth Assembly, delegates aimed to build partnerships and motivation by connecting with influential young leaders, experts, and practitioners from diverse sectors and regions of the world. They also aimed to discover groundbreaking new tools, knowledge, training, and resources to succeed in their projects, and to participate in new initiatives and opportunities to accelerate impact in local communities and globally by co-creating solutions.

Equipped to Make a Difference in Society

The outcome of the AFS Youth Assembly is a strong cross-sectoral and cross-country network (already 20,000 strong across 160 countries) connecting the next generation of leaders, transformed into action-oriented projects and initiatives after the conference. Delegates left the conference equipped to face challenges, seize opportunities, and make a difference in their societies and communities.

Participants experienced the AFS Youth Assembly not as an event, but as part of a journey that will help them implement positive change in their own societies and worldwide.

Encouraged to Stay in Touch with the Global Alumni Community

To continue their journey of impact, 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 own communities, and to offer these unique opportunities to young changemakers locally.