Report on the 15th Global Youth Peace Fest-GYPF2022 in Kuala Lumpur

Date: 2 October 2022

Location: International Youth Centre (IYC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The 15th Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF2022) unfolded in Kuala Lumpur from 30th September to 2nd October 2022, attracting over 170 young leaders from 18 countries worldwide. This event, themed "Enhancing Youth Engagement & Sustainable Development in the Post-Covid World," was organized by the Indian NGO, Yuvsatta (Youth for Peace), in collaboration with the International Youth Centre (IYC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia. Support was extended by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Tourism Malaysia.

It marked the first time the GYPF was held outside India, and the initiative to organize it in Malaysia was taken by the IYC Team, long-standing partners of the event, truly representing Asia.

Event Highlights:

Day 1:

The inaugural day saw participants engaging in group discussions addressing key issues related to sustainable development goals. Topics covered included the role of communication and media in the post-COVID world, participatory approaches to sustainable development through cooperative games, and the cultivation of caring hearts and creative minds through innovation.

The opening ceremony was launched by YBhg. Dato' Jana Santhiran Muniayan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia and Chairman of the IYC Board of Trustees. The day also featured the presentation of the 'Global Youth Icon Awards 2022' to selected young individuals from various countries.

Day 2:

A significant highlight of GYPF 2022 was a day-long engagement at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) in Gombak. Activities included an art/mural painting session with renowned artist Ms. Anna Karina Jardin, CEO of Artdialogo, Malaysia. The day continued with a UN Model forum in which IIUM students actively participated.

IIUM arranged outdoor games, a multicultural panorama of music and dance, and a 'Candle Light Vigil' promoting the rights and dignity of girls and women under SDG5. The participants then launched the 'Global Youth Peace Bridge' to strengthen and spread youth leadership and constructive change across Asia and Africa.

Closing Ceremony:

The event concluded with a closing ceremony on 2nd October 2022, where all participants engaged in an interactive session with YBhg. Dato' Jana Santhiran Muniayan, sharing their three days of learning and fruitful experiences gained during the program.

The 15th Global Youth Peace Fest in Kuala Lumpur served as a platform to foster international collaboration, discuss critical issues facing the youth in the post-COVID era, and promote sustainable development. The involvement of diverse participants from different nations and backgrounds underscored the importance of global cooperation in addressing shared challenges and working towards a more peaceful and sustainable future.