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Reach Alliance’s Environmental Justice & Youth Leadership Spotlighted at the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly in New York City
Earlier this month, the Reach Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to environmental justice and youth leadership as eight of its researchers and alumni attended the AFS Youth Assembly in New York City from August 8-10, 2025. Our delegation – Alonso Muñoz Sanchez, Abigail Contreras Hernández, Caroline Cheng Hui Xuan, Madison Winfield, Ajak Diing, Kezia Doe Asare, Waheed Amanjee, and Bhavisha Darji – presented an interactive workshop entitled Policy Skills in Action: Youth Advocacy for a Just Transition.
During the session, delegates shared real-world case studies from their Reach research, demonstrated participatory policy tools, and applied systems-thinking frameworks to empower climate leadership. The workshop showcased how research can translate into advocacy and global collaboration.
Caroline Cheng Hui Xuan offered this reflection: “Having the chance to visit the UN headquarters and hear from esteemed speakers during the conference has inspired me to think about how I can further develop my skills and my team’s chatbot to support Singapore’s migrant workers! The highlight has to be speaking on a panel at the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth, participating in the workshop led by my fellow Reach Researchers, and exploring NYC together with them!”
While Madison Winfield shared her gratitude, “As I reflect on my experience at the AFS Youth Assembly, I feel immense gratitude—for being in rooms with fellow change makers, exploring new opportunities, and discussing mobilization strategies. Speaking on the panel at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth about a project I deeply care about, and having it so well received, was truly motivating.”
And Alonso Muñoz Sanchez shared, “The Reach delegation taught youth leaders from every corner of the world about the just transition to a net-zero economy and provided them with an introduction to public policy and advocacy to empower them to drive systemic change. At the end of the session, delegates created innovative policy proposals and advocacy strategies on important issues such as critical minerals.”
Their participation at the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly highlighted the vital role emerging leaders play in shaping climate solutions and advancing environmental justice on a global stage—an impact that continues to grow through the Reach Alliance’s global network.
