FIRST GLOBAL YOUTH FORUM OF ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS FOR UNESCO IN THE HISTORY WAS HELD IN ALMATY
On February 19-20, 2025, the First Global Youth Forum of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO (GYF) took place in Almaty, gathering over 150 participants from about 60 countries around the world.
The Forum was organized by UNESCO and the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA) with the support of the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO, the National Commissions for UNESCO of Kazakhstan and France, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Almaty.
During the opening ceremony of the event, Mr. Firmin Edouard Matoko, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, presented the UNESCO “Five Continents” commemorative medal to the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO for 15 years of tireless work in the development of the Club movement. In his speech, he noted: “This award is a testament to outstanding achievements. Since its establishment in 2009, the Kazakhstan Federation has made a significant contribution to promoting UNESCO’s values and programs at the international level”.
Over two days, delegates from Associations and Clubs for UNESCO from all regions of the world, as well as representatives from government, academic and business circles, including UNESCO experts, discussed important issues such as strengthening capacity, empowering youth, ethics of artificial intelligence use, digital technology, sustainable tourism, climate change, inclusion and arts in education.
“Here, every participant had the opportunity to present their projects, connect with like-minded individuals and be inspired by the successful practices of colleagues from around the world. Thanks to cooperation and dialogue, people from different cultures, generations and regions have paved the way for meaningful and effective change”, noted Bolat Akchulakov, President of the World and Kazakhstan Federations of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO.
As part of the event, a visit to Kazakhstan was made by several high-profile guests, including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Ms. X. Abbing, leading global AI expert Dr. W. Holmes, members of the Executive Board of the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO and others.
“At the Global Youth Forum, I met participants from 60 countries for the first time – from Senegal to Japan. Taking part in this event confirmed that the Clubs for UNESCO movement has a bright future, as it unites youth from around the world around shared values. It is inspiring to realize that not only were we brought together, but we were also given the opportunity to be heard, contribute to the global dialogue and make the world a better place,” emphasized Onitiana Léaticia Ratsivahiny, a delegate from Madagascar.
This event would not have been possible without the support of Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V., CenterCredit Bank, Kazakhstan Hotel, Doscar Group of Companies and Shymbulak Mountain Resort.
“The Associations and Clubs for UNESCO empower youth to become leader and changemakers, leveraging their creativity to address global challenges while promoting social responsibility, cultural awareness, peace, and sustainable development,” said Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences.
A key outcome of the event was the adoption of the “Youth Roadmap of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO for 2025–2030: Building a Sustainable Future Together”. This document will define the strategic directions for the development of the movement, represented in 94 countries by more than 5,000 organizations, as well as expand opportunities for youth and strengthen the network of Clubs for UNESCO leaders around the world. The Almaty Roadmap can also be useful for any youth or youth-oriented organizations.