The virtual conference organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, in partnership with the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS), on Youth Leadership day consisted of seven workshops on different topics including human rights, education, science, and climate change. Youth leaders from five continents came together in the workshops to share their experiences and present highlights of the projects they have started, with the goal of finding specific recommendations on increasing youth leadership, to be submitted to the United Nations.

Restoring Environment and Regenerative Wellbeing:

The POP Movement led the workshop entitled “Restoring Environment and Regenerative Wellbeing” during the virtual e-conference. The workshop focused on environmental issues. The panel was moderated by youth activist and POP Trainee Mentor, Camila González Colistro. The speakers included Iman El Mach, youth leader and member of POP Germany who spoke about the work done by POP Germany at her school and city; Drishya Pathak, Mentor at the POP Movement who spoke about the international conversations and collaboration between youth; Aoife Mercedes from Teach the Future who talked about the success of her educational campaign in the United Kingdom; and Ana Hanhausen, Mentor at the POP Ocean initiative who spoke about the events organized to raise advocacy for ocean conservation. The key message from the panel was the importance of youth learning and taking power from each other in order to form a more resilient frontline. The inspiration by knowledge, the importance of education and proper preparation were also central topics to the conversation.

Key Strategy Session:

In a follow-up, strategy session with Ekaterina Zagladina, the President of the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates; Mila Popovich, Global Leadership from the World Academy of Art and Science; Camila González Colistro, youth leader; Ash Pachauri, Senior Mentor, POP Movement, and other youth leaders discussed key strategies for global youth leadership. Some strategies proposed during this session included creating inclusive approaches to education with more adequate preparation and better use of tools, to the point of reforming the education agenda where necessary. Another proposed strategy was creating safe spaces to bring projects together and achieve more integral solutions; including interactive science and methodologies for action and the use of music and performance to transcend geographies. Safe and equitable spaces for the youth to amplify their voices and have the opportunity to advocate with leaders and stakeholders.

 Arts, Sports, and Media for Activism: 

Another workshop titled “Arts, Sports, and Media for Activism” during the conference discussed the theme of information, imagination, inspiration for social transformation and cultural diplomacy. Moderated by Paolo Petrocelli, Founder and President of EMMA for Peace (Euro-Mediterranean Music Academy), the session’s speakers included Midori Kawano, Honorary POP Mindfulness Mentor; Ihab Darwish, international music composer; and Farhana Muna, comedian and activist. Midori Kawano shared her personal journey with yoga that serves as a tool for harmony with self, others and nature. Looking at the forum of art and media, the session explored how they can serve as effective tools for fostering social ethics, peace and communication.

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