About ICOY

Overview

The International Conference on Youth (ICOY) is an international academic and dialogue platform dedicated to advancing discussions on youth development, leadership, innovation, and participation in society. It serves as a global forum where young people, scholars, educators, policymakers, and practitioners come together to exchange ideas, share research, and engage in meaningful conversations on issues affecting youth at local, national, and global levels.

ICOY is designed to bridge the gap between youth perspectives and institutional frameworks by creating a structured environment for collaboration, learning, and knowledge exchange. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue and interdisciplinary engagement in addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by young people in today’s world.

Purpose and Significance

In an era marked by rapid social, economic, and technological transformation, the role of youth as innovators, leaders, and agents of change has become increasingly important. ICOY recognizes this evolving role and aims to provide a platform where young individuals can actively participate in shaping discussions that influence the future of societies.

The conference seeks to promote meaningful engagement by encouraging critical thinking, informed dialogue, and the exploration of practical solutions to contemporary challenges. It also supports the development of ideas that contribute to sustainable development, social progress, and global cooperation.

Global Platform and Participation

ICOY functions as a recurring international conference that is hosted by different institutions across various regions. This rotating hosting model enables broader geographic representation, encourages cross cultural interaction, and strengthens international collaboration among institutions and individuals working in youth related fields.

The conference welcomes participation from a diverse community that includes students, young leaders, researchers, educators, policy professionals, and representatives of civil society organizations. By bringing together participants from different backgrounds and disciplines, ICOY fosters an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.

Conference Structure and Activities

ICOY offers a comprehensive and engaging conference experience through a variety of structured activities. These include keynote sessions delivered by distinguished speakers, panel discussions that explore critical topics, workshops focused on skill development and innovation, and interactive forums that encourage participant engagement.

These activities are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote collaborative learning, and provide opportunities for participants to present their ideas and research. The conference also creates space for networking and partnership building, enabling participants to form meaningful connections that extend beyond the event itself.

Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development

A central focus of ICOY is to empower young individuals by providing them with opportunities to actively engage in discussions, share their perspectives, and contribute to decision making processes. The platform encourages youth to take on leadership roles and supports the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration.

By fostering an environment that values youth participation, ICOY helps strengthen the capacity of young people to address complex societal challenges and to contribute positively to their communities and the global landscape.

Guiding Principles and Values

ICOY is guided by a set of foundational principles that shape its activities and interactions. These include academic integrity, inclusivity, collaboration, and ethical responsibility. The conference promotes respectful dialogue across cultures, disciplines, and perspectives, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

It also emphasizes the importance of knowledge exchange, recognizing that innovation and progress are driven by the sharing of ideas, research, and experiences. These principles ensure that ICOY maintains high standards of professionalism and credibility.

Institutional Foundation and Governance

ICOY is established as an initiative of the Ahmedabad Centre for Research and Innovation (ACRI), which serves as the institutional authority responsible for its governance, continuity, and strategic development. ACRI provides oversight to ensure that the conference operates in accordance with its guiding principles and maintains its academic and organizational standards.

Through this governance framework, ICOY is able to maintain consistency across different editions of the conference while allowing flexibility in hosting and program design. This balance ensures both institutional stability and global adaptability.

Looking Ahead

Through its conferences and collaborative initiatives, ICOY aspires to grow as a globally respected platform that contributes to the development of inclusive, innovative, and forward looking communities. It seeks to strengthen the role of youth in shaping the future by creating opportunities for engagement, learning, and collaboration.

By connecting individuals and institutions from around the world, ICOY aims to build a strong global network committed to youth empowerment and sustainable development.