Convenings

In October 2025, the Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) held two major events in Brazil: our 6^th Annual Global Convening (hosted in partnership with United Way Brasil and Juventudes Potentes) and Decola Cria’s one-year Learning Gathering. We came together with an incredible community of young people and partners from around the world for three unforgettable days in São Paulo, followed by the Learning Gathering in Rio de Janeiro.

Across both cities, we were joined by over 400 participants from 16 countries, including delegations from GOYN’s 17 communities, who came together in Brazil to connect, collaborate, and co-create a more inclusive future for young people around the world. The week was a powerful reminder of the scale and impact of GOYN’s work over the past seven years.

In São Paulo, participants explored this year’s theme, “Connections That Transform Youth: The Power of a Global Community,” through powerful dialogues, youth-led innovation, and reflections to co-create a more inclusive future for young people around the world.

In Rio de Janeiro, Decola Cria hosted two days of panels that highlighted the community’s achievements and key learnings over the past year, spotlighting the launch of the CriaMap and discussing the global connections of its work.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, both in person and virtually, for your energy, insights, and commitment to building inclusive, youth-centered ecosystems.

“[Youth] are the future leaders of our societies that we desperately need today”
Shané Harris, Vice President of Social Responsibility and Partnerships, President, The Prudential Foundation

As we reflect on this incredible week, we invite you to relive some of the highlights below.