We understand that anyone who is contemplating joining us this year might have some questions in mind. The purpose of this article is to address some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, and very much hope that our answers will further encourage you to sign up for this year’s conference. However, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any other questions you might be pondering. There is no limit to how many questions you can ask, and we are always happy to hear from you.
1. What is the Global Youth Conference (GYC)?
Founded in 2014, the GYC is a three-day, multi-faceted event which brings together young people from around the world to engage with, discover, and find solutions for social issues both on a local, and global scale. Primarily based in Osaka Japan, the central pillars of the GYC are always youth empowerment and global citizenship. Each conference carries a central theme inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme is ‘Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing’.
Along with other delegates, you’ll be challenged to approach, and deconstruct your thinking of youth mental health and wellbeing from a variety of different angles through a series of discussions and workshops.
2. Is the Global Youth Conference (GYC) for me?
If you enjoy learning and talking about global issues that affect young people, connecting with people from different countries and developing your leadership skills and confidence then the GYC is for you.
3. Why is the Global Youth Conference important?
To put it simply, you as young people are the future, and the primary goals of the Global Youth Conference are to invest in getting your voices heard, and to help you discover and realize the potential of your ideas and voices when it comes to making a difference to both our global society and your local communities.
Throughout the conference you will acquire a whole host of new skills related to critical thinking; team work; discussion; presentation and problem solving which we hope that you’ll be able to take forward and use to address specific issues in your communities.
4. How can I actively participate at the conference?
Just be yourself. Other than that, our only conditions are that you approach the conference with an open mind, together with a strong willingness to work with, and learn from other delegates. The GYC wants to provide you with a platform to find and express your own unique voice, and to believe in the power of your opinions and perspectives. In doing so we also aim to help you boost your communication skills; enhance your knowledge of cultural differences; and to overcome barriers related to language and technological navigation to ensure your voice is heard in the way you want it to be.
5. What can I get out of the GYC?
Access to all conference activities including the Keynote speech, workshops and breakout rooms sessions, debrief groups, fun activities, panel discussion and Call to Action
You can also access fun, morale boosting activities, round-the-conference interpreting support in both English and Japanese. You will also receive a certificate following the conference to prove your participation.
On a personal level the conference will also provide you with priceless opportunities to learn together with a diverse group of youth leaders; test your ideas and build confidence in a friendly and supportive environment; broaden your your perspective on global issues; learn about what it means to be a global citizen; learn about ways to become more active in your community through the GYC Call to Action; and the chance to form lifelong friendships and networks with delegates from different corners of the globe.
6. Who participates in the Global Youth Conference?
Most of our participants are young people aged between 16 - 22. Some of this year’s volunteers and workshop leaders are also teachers and youth leaders. Now onto its sixth conference the Global Youth Conference (GYC) has been blessed with the chance to have welcomed hundreds of passionate youth volunteers and delegates from across the globe.
7. Is there a fee to join the GYC?
Yes. Participation fees change from year to year. This year’s standard fee is 9,000 yen.
8. What language is the GYC run in?
Mostly English, although there is some Japanese translation support provided. The conference is generally suitable for those who can communicate their ideas, opinions and responses to questions in English.
9. Are there still participant places available to join this year’s GYC?
Yes, we are still accepting a small number of applications after the official deadline of Friday, March 11th. If you're interested in joining the GYC as a participant please apply through the Global website here.
10. Are there any future progression opportunities for delegates?
Participation in GYC will offer you a shining light for your resume which will immediately stand out to potential recruiters and academic admission officers. A significant number of our participants also return year after year, and take on other roles in the conference. Some examples of these roles include: workshop leadership roles; conference organizational roles; and video production roles.
If you’re interested in volunteering at future GYCs please contact the Global Department @ global-engagement@osakaymca.org