Global Convening 2024
Transforming Youth Livelihoods: Pathways to Full Potential
In November 2024, the Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) brought together its Global and Community Partners and Opportunity Youth Leaders from across the globe in Pune, India, for the 5th Annual GOYN Global Convening! It was incredible connecting to reflect on GOYN’s progress, exchange learnings, and build momentum toward transforming youth livelihoods globally.
If you couldn’t attend, we’re excited to share highlights and key moments from the Convening, co-hosted by GOYN Anchor Partner Lighthouse Communities Foundation, in partnership with the Global Development Incubator.
Reflections from the 2024 GOYN Convening
Rooted in the theme “Transforming Youth Livelihoods: Pathways to Full Potential,” the 2024 GOYN Convening centered on connecting young people with tools for economic mobility, well-being, and financial sustainability. Over the course of five days, speakers across plenaries, workshops, masterclasses, and site visits examined systemic barriers such as inequity and discrimination while showcasing innovative approaches to creating inclusive, sustainable economic opportunities.
With over 450 in-person attendees, including delegations from 17 GOYN communities and beyond, the 2024 Convening was a true testament to GOYN’s exponential growth over six years of impactful work.
“We are here to create our version of society which feels like belonging – a version which is full of empathy and is built on friendship, where the problems are not ‘yours’ or ‘theirs’ but they are ‘ours.’”
Poorva Pillai Convening MC, GOYN Pune Youth Advisory Group, Youth Innovation Fund Innovator
Highlights from the 2024 Convening
The Opening Ceremony – A Vibrant Welcome
The event kicked off with an unforgettable opening ceremony featuring 3,000 young people from Lighthouse communities, performing, dancing, and delivering inspirational speeches to energize the week ahead.
We were also honored to welcome Eric Garcetti, U.S. Ambassador to India, who delivered a powerful keynote on collaboration, humility, fearlessness, and leading with love to create meaningful change. Watch his speech below!
Featured Keynote | Belonging in Practice: Shaping Inclusive Systems Around the World
In this impactful keynote, Professor john a. powell, Founder & Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, explored the transformative power of belonging in dismantling systemic inequities. He emphasized the importance of co-creation in developing solutions for Opportunity Youth.
Following the keynote, Professor powell was joined by Lata Reddy (SVP, Inclusive Solutions, Prudential Financial) and Ovi Bhandalkar (Activist & GOYN Pune Youth Advisory Group Member) for a powerful panel discussion, moderated by Gabriela Carmo (GOYN Senior Program Associate). They shared strategies for building collaborative, inclusive systems that elevate the voices of all stakeholders, particularly youth.
More Convening Content
Check out daily highlight videos on the GOYN YouTube channel and this YouTube playlist for more Convening videos, including keynotes, panel discussions, and some fun behind-the-scenes clips! Some highlights include:
- Informed For Action: How Youth-Led Data Collection Informs Youth-Led Action Plenary session providing practical approaches to engage young people in data collection & advocacy and improve their employability
- Site Visit Highlights – Youth-led community engagement, riveting discussions, and moments of cultural expression!
- Plenaries, Breakout Sessions, and Masterclasses – Highlights from Day 3
Visit our Learning Lab for more resources!
Thank you for your continued support of GOYN’s mission to transform youth livelihoods – together, we’re building pathways to full potential for young people everywhere.
We hope to see you at the 2025 GOYN Global Convening! Stay tuned for more information.
