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IYLA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
TRAINING AT THE SUSTAINED DIALOGUE INSTITUTE
The Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI) was used in the 1990’s to mediate identity related tensions across college campuses, and strives to “develop leaders able to transform differences into the strong relationships essential to effective decision-making, democratic governance, and peace.” The SDI sets itself apart from other change-making processes with its focus on five different elements of relationship. At the SDI, IYLA delegates practice diplomatic dialogue through a variety of different exercises.
LEADERSHIP ADVENTURE AT GREAT FALLS
The Great Falls hike is a shared experience in the outdoors. The hike gives delegates the chance to learn from nature, reflect on their vision as a leader, and think about the goals they set for themselves during the program. The natural world is a powerful classroom for aspiring leaders and the challenges that are faced in the natural world are tests that reveal character – a key component of good leadership.
CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH FORUM ON CAPITOL HILL
Delegates visit the Supreme Court for a briefing to learn about the history and inner workings of the system, and participate in the Congressional Youth Form – a leadership forum at the Russell Senate Office building that gives delegates the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills. Each delegate delivers a speech centered around their leadership experiences, goals, and passions. The day concludes with a DC monuments tour and Embassy reception.
BRIEFINGS AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT
The U.S. state department is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency and the oldest federal department. By going to other countries to represent the U.S. in embassies, consulates, and international organizations, the Department is responsible for promoting peace in areas of vital interest to America. At the State Department, IYLA delegates participate in group discussions on relevant current events and are briefed on what the purpose of the State Department is.
TRAINING AT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the legal framework applicable to situations of armed conflict and occupation. IHL protects those who do not fight and are no longer taking part in fighting, and restricts the use of certain weapons and methods of warfare. During IYLA, delegates receive a briefing on the workings of the IHL within the American Red Cross, and participate in an interactive training centered around identifying appropriate military targets.
BRIEFINGS AT THE WILSON CENTER
Named after the 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, the Wilson Center is a think tank bringing together scholars and experts on research topics of national and international relevance to inform new policies and develop solutions through nonpartisan studies and information. At the Wilson Center, IYLA delegates have the unique opportunity to interact with scholars who are experts in current foreign affairs issues.
BRIEFING BY USAID
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the legal framework applicable to situations of armed conflict and occupation. IHL protects those who do not fight and are no longer taking part in fighting, and restricts the use of certain weapons and methods of warfare. During IYLA, delegates receive a briefing on the workings of the IHL within the American Red Cross, and participate in an interactive training centered around identifying appropriate military targets.
PANEL ON SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT THE WORLD BANK
The Youth to Youth (Y2Y) community is a network of employees from the World Bank Group that brings innovative ideas and perspectives into the WBG operations by engaging, inspiring, and empowering youth in development. At the World Bank Board Room, IYLA delegates learn about the history of the World Bank and interact with senior WBG employees on a panel focused on social entrepreneurship.
GLOBAL YOUTH SUMMIT AT THE WORLD BANK
The Global Youth Summit at the World Bank is a one-day summit held in the Preston Auditorium that brings together hundreds of passionate young leaders from all over the world residing in the nearby community. The Summit features interactive panel discussions with influential leaders in entrepreneurship and service, networking opportunities, and a workshop centered around the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
FORUM ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The Declaration of Independence has had global impact and has served as a touchstone for the country to look back to in order to remind the people what kind of nation they were striving to build. At the National Constitution Center, IYLA delegates learn about the global implications of the Declaration of Independence and explore one of America’s most historic cities.
TRAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
The University of Pennsylvania was established in 1749 as America’s first university through the substantial efforts of Benjamin Franklin. His innovative educational methods aimed to train youth for leadership in government, public service, and business, and played an integral role in shaping the education conventions of today. At UPenn,IYLA delegates participate in a design thinking workshop with students and professors.
BRIEFING WITH THE UN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
The purpose of the United Nations Department of Public Information is to raise awareness and support the work the UN does through communications, media, and relationships with civil society groups. At the United Nations Trusteeship Council Chamber, IYLA delegates meet with the UNDPI team and learn about the importance of connecting to the public and raising awareness of the UN.
UN PERMANENT MISSION VISITS
UN PERMANENT MISSION VISITS
Each nation at the UN has a small delegation on site dedicated to representing country interests and investing in development. IYLA delegates have the opportunity to visit several different UN missions to learn about the work of that country and interact with UN representatives.
IBM EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TRAINING
In 2012, IBM was named as the number 1 company for leaders, and the world’s fifth most valuable brand in 2015. The IBM Executive Leadership Training is a way for delegates to reflect on their unique experiences and challenges faced in order to better understand values and principles in leadership, and learn about giving and receiving feedback. Delegates receive the same training that IBM employees receive within the company.
GLOBAL SUMMIT AT THE UNITED NATIONS
The Global Summit at the UN brings over 1000 youth leaders from more than 100 countries committed to their communities and the world for networking opportunities and plenary sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and officials from globally significant institutions. Hosted at the prestigious General Assembly Hall, the Summit concludes the ambitious 10-day IYLA program and provides a unique platform for young people to share ideas to take action towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
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