Together, WCC, LWF and WSCF invites all people of good will to come and be a part of this youth-led day in Geneva at the Ecumenical Centre, on 12th August, from 10:00am to 13:30pm.

This year, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), in partnership with the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), will observe together the International Youth Day (IYD) with the theme: “Transforming Education.” Youth are the future of the church, and they are great advocates for Christian unity. The WCC wants to empower young Christians to liven up the ecumenical movement.

The sub-themes with TED-style talks and round table discussions will be about:

• Climate justice
• Gender justice
• Higher education & employment
• Radical extremism
• Migration & refugee crises

The WCC 10th Assembly in Busan affirmed the need to have a body that enables active involvement of young adults and ensures sustainable development of youth engagement within ecumenical movements, the ECHOS Commission. In 2015, the commissioners stated: “We do not only want to be an echo, we wish to be a real young voice. We are all on a pilgrimage of justice and peace!”

While the youth are celebrating the international youth day in Geneva, the ECHOS Youth Commission will also be celebrating on the same note in Seoul, South Korea.

The WCC strives to empower young Christians to liven up the ecumenical movement, while also developing and inspiring leaders of today and tomorrow for a peaceful and sustainable development in the pilgrimage of justice and peace.

General Objective: To promote a shared understanding for the Inclusion, celebrating the gifts and addressing the common concerns and challenges of the young people around the world.

Programme:

10:15-10:30 Gathering of participants, coffee/tea provided

10:30- 10:45 Opening Prayer led by young people of the World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World , prepared in collaboration colleague Rev. Mikie Roberts (in the chapel)

(In alphabetical order and inter-generational)

10:45-10:48 Opening remarks by Ms. Pranita Biswasi, Lutheran World Federation programme executive for youth

10:48-10:51 Greetings  from Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, World Council of Churches deputy general secretary

10:51-10:54 Greetings and message from Rev.Dr Martin Junge, The Lutheran World Federation General Secretary (Video)

10:54-10:57 Message from Ms. Necta Montes, World Student Christian Federation General secretary (video)

10:57-11:00 Message from Ms. Joy Eva Bohol, World Council of Churches programme executive for youth engagement in the ecumenical movement (video)

11:00-11:03 Introduction of speakers for the TED Talk-style presentation (videos and in-person)

11:03-11:08 Mr. Azeez Sadeq, Youth on Migration and Refugee Crisis

11:08-11:13 Ms Jennifer Muthoki from Kenya, Youth on Radical Extremism (video)

11:13-11:18 Ms Islam Khadijah from United States, LWF Young Reformer on Gender Justice (video)

11:18-11:23 Ms Maria Camilla Uloa from Colombia, Youth on Higher Education (video)

11:23-11:28 Mr Khulekani Magwaza from South Africa, LWF Young Council member on Climate Justice (video)

11:28-11:30 Transition to small groups for round-table reflection and discussion (with instructions)

11:30-12:10 Small Group discussion per topic

12:10-12:25 Presentation per small group

12:25-12:30 Conclusion and wrapping up (group photo after)

12:30-13:30 Light lunch and networking (lobby)