The Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) 2025 brought together young leaders from around the world to discuss solutions for global challenges. One of the most anticipated sessions featured Sana Dawari, a former United Nations Volunteer (UNV) employee and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment.
During her panel discussion, Sana Dawari emphasized that volunteering is a key factor in shaping young individuals into global changemakers. She stated that volunteerism is not only a way to contribute to society but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Volunteerism as a Pathway to Leadership
In her presentation, “Empowering Youth Through Volunteerism: Driving Sustainable Development and Global Impact,” Sana Dawari explained how volunteering programs help youth engage with real-world issues. She highlighted how volunteerism supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as:
According to Dawari, volunteerism is an essential tool for youth who want to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and adaptability. She stressed that hands-on experiences in volunteer projects prepare young people for impactful careers in various industries.
The Role of Digital Technology in Expanding Volunteerism
Dawari also discussed the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in volunteerism. She highlighted how technology enables youth from different backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and contribute to global initiatives.
“With digital platforms, volunteering is no longer limited by geography. Youth can now participate in global projects, engage in virtual mentoring, and use technology to solve social problems,” she explained.
Youth Are More Than Just Future Leaders
During an interview at IYS 2025, Dawari expressed strong optimism about the potential of today’s youth. She praised the Istanbul Youth Summit for creating a space where young people can share ideas and build impactful projects.
“This summit is an incredible program because it brings together young people from many countries. I am confident that the future of youth is very bright because they are not just leaders of tomorrow, but also changemakers who can drive real transformation,” she stated.
About Istanbul Youth Summit 2025
The Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) 2025 is an international forum that gathers young leaders to discuss innovative solutions for global challenges. The event focuses on leadership, collaboration, and sustainable development.
This year’s summit featured:
About Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB)
The Istanbul Youth Summit is organized by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB), an organization dedicated to empowering young leaders worldwide. YBB envisions a generation of highly competitive, innovative, and socially responsible youth who contribute to global progress.
With events like IYS 2025, the future of youth leadership looks promising, and volunteerism continues to be a powerful force for global change.