Global Youth Summit for Freedom of Religion or Belief

Toward a Future of FoRB for All

Thank you for coming!

Stay tuned for what comes next!

In a world of rising conflict, the time to act is now.

Join our game-changing virtual summit to make your ideas a reality. In our participant-led Open Space format, you’re not just another attendee—you’re a co-creator. Hosted by a coalition of global FoRB leaders, this first-ever virtual event is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and catalyze change with seasoned champions and emerging change-makers from every corner of the world.

Zoom capacity is limited, so apply now to be part of shaping a society that respects freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief for all.

Hannah-Rei from UK

Seng from Myanmar

Emina from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Carolyn from US

Ralph from the Philippines

Jordan from Scotland

Sohini from India

Lina from Russia/Ukraine/US

About Open Space

Open Space Technology is a highly-effective system for organizing large groups of people with a shared goal. It fosters a dynamic, participant-led gathering where participants create their own agenda, self-select into subgroups to engage in interactive conversations, and then share summaries of their conversations with the full group.

This proven approach has been used over 60,000 times in 140 countries, including at NASA and Google Ventures. Its participatory nature makes it an ideal tool for achieving the goals of the summit. It is also well-suited to virtual events.

Our Goals

Before

Increase and Expand

The strength of our movement lies in both its size and its diversity. We need more people and a wider variety of skills—from policy analysis and lobbying to filmmaking and social media. By joining hands across beliefs and borders, we don’t just prepare to manage crises; we position ourselves to seize every opportunity for meaningful progress.

During

Connect and Collaborate

Change happens at the speed of trust, and trust happens at the speed of relationships. We seek to build meaningful connections between and among seasoned advocates and innovative newcomers from all faiths and none. Because freedom of religion or belief truly advances when we stand up for one another.

After

Support and Sustain

This is more than just a meeting, it’s the launch of a movement. The action doesn’t stop when the Zoom call ends. We offer technical tools, in-depth training, and crucial funding to empower youth leaders in transforming plans into reality.

Our Strategy

We will invite the Zoom maximum of 1,000 FoRB advocates to a 25-hour virtual “un-conference” where participants will set their own agenda and self-organize into breakout groups. Invitations to participate will be issued strategically to maximize diversity.

Invitations

Youth Participants (35 & under):

When selecting participants, we prioritize two main criteria: a proven dedication to FoRB, and a rich representation spanning diverse religions, locations, and skill sets. Priority will be given to individuals with unique experience or education, as well as those from under-represented religious, irreligious, or geographic backgrounds. Additionally, young people from countries of particular concern will receive special consideration.

To ensure the event is youth-driven, we’ve reserved 80% of our spaces exclusively for young voices.

Mentors (all ages):

One of our goals is to connect newcomers with seasoned leaders in the FoRB movement. Because when fresh perspectives meet hard-won experience, magic happens.

So regardless of age, if you possess relevant skills, resources, connections, or expertise–especially in technology, filmmaking, philanthropy, lawmaking, or cultural influence– we invite you to serve as a mentor. As a mentor you will have a dual role: inviting and nurturing young participants, and leveraging their budding talent to further your own initiatives.

The complex landscape of FoRB can be overwhelming for a newcomer. But with your guidance, their journey can turn from daunting to inspiring. Your seasoned insights can help avoid pitfalls and accelerate impact. And remember, this collaboration is two-fold. These young minds, with their energy, digital prowess, and innovative spirit, can breathe new life into your projects.

If you share our vision for FoRB’s future, we warmly encourage you to join our mentoring community.

Featured Mentors

After the Summit

Open Space is powerful because of its ability to transform talk into action. Conversations that begin by sharing information naturally turn to “What can we do about it?”

We expect that the Global Youth Summit will produce new–and strengthen existing–plans, partnerships, and projects. The trick is in making the action sustainable.

To make this summit a long-term success, we will:

Open streams for each topic inside the secure FoRB Forum app, so participants can continue the conversation after the event has ended.
Connect youth participants with jobs, internships, trainings, and events through our resources directory.
Create a fund for youth-led projects which will be supported by the First Freedom Foundation’s incubator/accelerator program.

The Global Youth Summit may become an annual gathering, or maybe it will evolve as different needs and opportunities are identified. But the goal is to build a movement, not a meeting.

How you can get involved

Apply to participate

Participation in this first-ever summit is a unique opportunity. While space is limited, we’re on the lookout for enthusiastic young individuals and mentors eager to champion FoRB for all. Even if you aren’t chosen, know that your interest is appreciated, and we’ll keep you informed about other avenues to join the movement. So take the leap! By applying, you’re taking a step towards shaping a more inclusive world.

Help Spread the Word:

Invite passionate young individuals 35 and under who are dedicated to the cause of freedom of religion or belief.

Identify potential mentors, especially those with a FoRB passion but working outside traditional advocacy roles, such as technologists, business-leaders, filmmakers, philanthropists, lawmakers, or cultural influencers.

Share the event with your networks, whether it’s via email lists, social media, or simple word of mouth.

Financial support or sponsorship:

Consider partnering with us to build a future of freedom of religion or belief for all. All financial contributions will go toward youth-led initiatives either initiated or developed during the Global Youth Summit.

Together, we can empower the next generation to create a world where people from all faiths and none can live together in mutual respect and social harmony.

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