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Global Youth Summit 2025
Inspiring Young Voices for Dialogue and Peace
The Youth Centre for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP), in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), successfully organized the Global Youth Summit 2025 from 28 to 31 August 2025. The four-day summit brought together fifty young delegates from across the globe, providing an inclusive platform to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and promote the values of peace, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation.
The opening ceremony took place at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) and featured distinguished speakers, including:
H.E. Mr. Abdulla Abdullatif ABDULLA
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bahrain to UNOG
H.E. Mr. Christophe Payot
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Belgium to UNOG
H.E. Mr. Alaa Mohamed Salaheldin Hegazy
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Egypt to UNOG
Ms. Roxana Widmer-Iliescu
Head of Digital Inclusion Service, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Their addresses underscored the crucial role of youth in global governance and the importance of inclusive dialogue in fostering peace and innovation.
Youth Solutions Take the UN Stage
180 Seconds to Inspire Change
A major highlight of the summit was the “Youth Solutions: 180-Second Segment,” where participants pitched innovative ideas on sustainable development and social impact from the UN floor. These brief but powerful presentations showcased the creativity and commitment of a new generation determined to create meaningful change.
Career Development Workshop
by Samim HamidyUNITAR Expert Career Development
This workshop offered several 1-2 hour sessions on how to launch your professional career and transition from university into the world of international organizations. These sessions included, but are not limited to, the following elements:
– Information Sessions on entry positions and internships in the United Nations System
– Counselling on envisioned entrepreneurial projects related to the SDGs
– Information Sessions on entry positions and internships in the United Nations System
– Counselling on envisioned entrepreneurial projects related to the SDGs
Voices That Move the World
by Hulya KurtUNITAR Expert Career Development
Capacity building, consulting, education
This session explored how communication, self-awareness, and courage can turn a single voice into a powerful force for influence and impact. Through practical strategies, storytelling, and interactive dialogue, we had uncovered how young people can speak up with confidence, lead with authenticity, and inspire movements that matter.
From Tension to Transformation
by Tahir SakhiDirector of Programme Development and Evaluation
Global Peace Foundation
From Tension to Transformation was a reflective leadership presentation that opened with a powerful act of self-questioning. The session encouraged participants—particularly youth—to assess their genuine readiness to lead with authenticity and purpose, beyond titles or positions. As global discussions increasingly highlighted youth leadership, the presentation invited attendees to reflect on what it truly meant to lead with vision, accountability, and impact. Grounded in the belief that leadership extends beyond passion, it emphasized the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven action.
The Heartbeat of Human Rights
by Jeena EarthivaArtist, Creative Visionary, Entrepreneur
Through inspiring stories of revolutionary figures, interactive experiences, and youth-driven dialogue, Young leaders explored how participants moved hearts, sparked change, and empowered a new generation to defend and expand human rights.
From Spark to Transition
by Prof. Dr. Susan MüllerProfessor of Entrepreneurship
In this session, the young leaders explored two high-impact business models developed by social entrepreneurs and social innovators, examining the mechanisms they employed to drive change. They also learned about a model that explained the transition toward a sustainable economy and society – and the part social entrepreneurs and innovators played in it.
The Transition Trilemma
by Andrea MainoEnergy Economist
Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
The session sparked debate on the trilemma of the energy transition, addressing the increasing risk of climate hazards alongside the economic, social, and security implications of shifting to a low-carbon energy system and economy. Participants examined key aspects and methods to ensure a fair transition within an increasingly divided global landscape.
The summit brought together young leaders from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, all united by a shared vision to amplify youth voices in global dialogue. Their consistent engagement and positive feedback reflected the success of the program and its impact on fostering leadership, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding.
The event concluded with a peace march and a photo session at the Broken Chair monument, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the collective commitment to peace.
The Global Youth Summit 2025 stands as a testament to YCDP’s dedication to empowering the next generation of global leaders through dialogue, understanding, and action.
The Global Youth Summit 2025 stands as a testament to YCDP’s dedication to empowering the next generation of global leaders through dialogue, understanding, and action.
Be part of the next chapter
The Global Youth Summit 2025 stands as a testament to YCDP’s dedication to empowering the next generation of global leaders. Join our community, stay informed, and help shape future editions of the summit.
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