Ahillan Kumar, a master’s of public affairs student, recently took part in the International Forum: We the Youth’s Regional Dialogue – North America, held in New York City in early September. Over the course of two days, 50 young leaders from across Canada, the United States, and international students studying in the U.S. collaborated to shape policy ideas aimed at tackling global challenges. Their initial recommendations will be further refined at a follow-up conference in South Korea before being submitted to the United Nations.

The forum began with participants identifying key issues and pitching their proposals to peers in hopes of gaining support for inclusion in the final policy draft. By the end of the dialogue, the group had produced a comprehensive document representing a diverse range of priorities and perspectives. This draft will advance to the global conference in South Korea, where 150 youth delegates—25 from each world region—will work together to merge regional documents into a unified set of recommendations for the UN.

To Ahillan’s surprise, many participants did not come from traditional public policy backgrounds. This diversity brought a wider range of perspectives and more authentic voices to the dialogue. He is proud to have contributed to such a dynamic and inclusive community and encourages fellow students to apply for next year’s program. The initiative is co-organized by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) of South Korea.

In addition to the forum itself, Ahillan also had the chance to experience New York City for the first time—a memorable highlight. The city’s energy, diversity, and vibrancy made a lasting impression, and exploring it alongside fellow participants deepened the sense of global connection the forum fostered. From engaging policy discussions to discovering new cultures and perspectives, the experience left a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.