CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

The Global Youth Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

 Action for the Summit of the Future, 30 September, 2024, New York, USA.

 On September 17, 2024, the Global Youth Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Action for the Summit of the Future convened at 866 United Nations Plaza, New York City. This transformative event brought together youth leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives to engage in meaningful discussions on advancing the SDGs and tackling pressing global challenges.

Co-hosted by the Youth Association in Sierra Leone (YASIL), West African Women and Girls Empowerment-Sierra Leone (WAWGE-SL), and the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, the summit provided a dynamic platform for young voices to influence  global decision-making.

The event was a landmark opportunity for participants to collaborate, share innovative ideas, and shape actionable outcomes in preparation for the Summit of the Future. Through robust dialogue and partnerships, the summit underscored the critical role of youth in driving sustainable development and global progress.

International Youth Conference (IYC9), 30 May-2 June 2024

Los Angeles, California, USA

From May 30 to June 2, 2024, the 9th International Youth Conference (IYC9) brought together inspiring minds at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs in Los Angeles. The I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation  played a pivotal role in the event, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to addressing Africa's challenges and opportunities while empowering young leaders worldwide.

The highlight of IBTK’s participation was a dynamic session moderated by Abdoul Byukusenge, IBTK’s Chief Strategist, alongside Junisa Precious Gbeteh Kallon, Advisor on Strategic Partnerships at IBTK, and the Foundation's President and Executive Director, Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo. This engaging session fostered robust dialogue among youth experts, exploring critical issues related to Africa’s development and growth.

Through actionable discussions and innovative ideas, IBTK reinforced its mission to create sustainable solutions and elevate young leaders' voices in shaping Africa's future. The Foundation’s participation underscored its dedication to empowering communities and driving meaningful change on a global scale.

Youth Summit on Peace and Sustainable Future, Montpellier, France, July 22-26, 2024

IBTK's Leadership and Sponsorship Illuminate Youth-Driven Global Action

From 22 to July 26, 2024, the vibrant city of Montpellier became the epicenter of transformative dialogue and action as the Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future convened passionate young leaders from across the globe. This landmark gathering was not just another conference—it was a youth-led call to action aimed at addressing some of the world's most urgent challenges, including climate change, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.

 The I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation played a pivotal role in the success of this summit, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to empowering youth and fostering sustainable solutions. As a key sponsor, IBTK supported the participation of three exceptional young activists, fully covering their travel and accommodation expenses. These youth changemakers not only represented the Foundation but also brought valuable insights and actionable ideas to the table.

In alignment with the ongoing review of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) resolution by the United Nations in 2025, the summit provided a timely platform to emphasize the critical role of young people in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and sustainable development. 

Through panel discussions, interactive workshops, and strategy sessions, participants explored innovative approaches to advancing the pillars of the YPS agenda, including participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, and reintegration.

IBTK’s leadership extended beyond sponsorship. The Foundation's Chief Strategist, Abdoul Byukusenge, moderated a high-level panel discussion featuring diplomats and civil society leaders from Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Serbia, fostering dialogue on the intersection of youth leadership, peace, and environmental sustainability.

The Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future underscored the need for meaningful youth engagement in shaping global policies and solutions. It also reinforced IBTK’s mission to amplify the voices of young leaders, enabling them to act as catalysts for global change.

Black Tech Is 2024, Huston, Texas

The I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation played a pivotal role in the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) by empowering diverse voices from around the globe. IBTK sponsored the participation of 37 civil society representatives, including youth and emerging leaders from various regions worldwide. These changemakers served as speakers and resource persons at four collaborative events organized by IBTK and its partners during the conference sessions.

IBTK’s sponsorship, which covered travel and accommodation expenses, ensured that participants could fully engage in critical discussions, share their expertise, and collaborate on actionable solutions to address global challenges. Beyond the conference sessions, IBTK’s support enabled civil society organizations (CSOs) to explore opportunities for collaboration and the implementation of development initiatives with local partners in Kenya. These engagements aligned with the overarching themes of the 2024 UNCSC and the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, fostering partnerships and strategies that advance sustainable development.

Through its contributions, IBTK reaffirmed its dedication to amplifying young voices, driving meaningful collaborations, and promoting progress on a global scale.