On February 19-20, 2025, the First Global Youth Forum of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO (GYF) took place in Almaty, bringing together over 150 participants from around 60 countries worldwide.

The Forum was organised 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 (Municipal Authority) 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 in recognition of 15 years of tireless work in developing 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 programmes at the international level.”

Similarly, Ms Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, highlighted the importance of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO in fostering youth leadership, stating: “The Associations and Clubs for UNESCO empower youth to become leaders and changemakers, leveraging their creativity to address global challenges while promoting social responsibility, cultural awareness, peace, and sustainable development.”

Over two days, delegates from the Associations and Clubs for UNESCO from all regions of the world, along with representatives from government, academia, and the business sector, including UNESCO experts, discussed key issues such as capacity-building, youth empowerment, the ethics of artificial intelligence, digital technology, sustainable tourism, climate change, inclusion, and the role of the arts in education.

As part of the event, several high-profile guests visited Kazakhstan, 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 realise 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,” emphasised Onitiana Léaticia Ratsivahiny, a delegate from Madagascar.

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, which is represented in 94 countries by more than 5,000 organisations. It will also expand opportunities for young people and strengthen the network of Clubs for UNESCO leaders worldwide. The Almaty Roadmap may also serve as a valuable resource for any youth or youth-oriented organisations.