Program Highlights

Interact with Leaders

Over the course of the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC), top policy officials, lobbyists, journalists, diplomats, business leaders, and academics from diverse cultures and backgrounds exchange ideas with students and help them cultivate critical leadership skills. 

Some past participating speakers have included:

• Mr. Craig Kielburger, Founder, Free the Children
• Ms. Gillian Sorenson, Senior Advisor and National Advocate, United Nations Foundation
• Ms. Janine di Giovanni, Award-Winning Author and Journalist
• Liz Bohannon, Founder and Executive Director, Sseko Designs
• Dr. Gary Weaver, Professor, International Communication, School of International Service, American University
• Angelica Silvero, Head, World Bank’s Speakers Bureau, World Bank
• Khursida Begum, Human Rights Advocate and Human Trafficking Survivor
• Mr. Richard Brubaker, Founder and Managing Director, Collective Responsibility
• Ulrike Lunacek, Vice President, European Parliament, MEP (Greens/EFA)
• Muhamed Mesic, Lawyer and Human Rights Advocate

Cultural Travel Experience

At GYLC, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural aspect of your program experience. You will visit Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City and discover all of the illustrious landmarks these cities have to offer.

In Washington, D.C., you will see the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Smithsonian Institute, and Holocaust Museum.

In Philadelphia, you will enjoy lunch and explore the renowned University of Pennsylvania campus on your way to New York.

In New York City, you will taste the culture of Chinatown, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), experience bustling Times Square, and take a dinner cruise on the New York Harbor, where you can catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.

Think Globally at Fascinating Site Visits

You will be immersed in the culture, history, and world views of the diverse people who are key players on the global stage during GYLC’s fascinating site visits.

Some previous visit locations have included:

• U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. – Students received a briefing on diplomacy from subject-matter experts 
• International embassies in Washington, D.C. – Students were able to witness diplomacy at work, firsthand
• The United Nations headquarters in New York City – Students stepped into the world's home of international peacekeeping

Past site visits are examples of the scope and quality of the institutions scholars will see and are not guaranteed destinations.

Real-World Simulations

Explore your role as a global leader by using your communication and negotiation skills to bring your peers to a consensus on an issue of worldwide importance.

In a Global Summit simulation, which is based on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), you and your fellow scholars will act as diplomats representing various countries on international commissions. You'll draft policy proposals; debate how to mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities, and tackle climate change; pass resolutions; and adopt plans of action.

College Admissions Preparation

While you are in New York City, you will also have the opportunity to interact with current university students during an admissions workshop and question-and-answer session with Harvard Student Agencies. This workshop will show you how the presenting Harvard students successfully navigated the college admissions process as well as what you can do to make your university applications competitive.