Special Olympics Virtual Global Youth Leadership Summit
20-21 May, 2022

Event Overview

The 2022 Special Olympics Virtual Global Youth Leadership Summit will unite Youth Leaders with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) from around the world in a single online platform for inclusion and change. Youth Leaders will receive training and tools to lead activities for social impact and inclusion in their schools and communities, while adult mentors will learn from their global peers on how best to engage with young people. Throughout this Virtual Global Youth Summit, young people are empowered to become proactive in breaking down barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their schools and local communities.

Emerging from these Summits, youth proceed to train other young people to be innovators, leaders, and social change makers for inclusion. The legacy of the Summit will be felt worldwide, as participants deploy their learnings to implement practices for inclusion in their home countries. Young people, along with the support of their adult mentors, are igniting the engine of change in all parts of the world.

AGENDA

Eastern Standard Time (UTC-4:00)

8:00-9:00 AM

The Call to Connect

The two-day virtual Global Youth Leadership Summit will be launched with the “call to connect” – calling on young people with and without intellectual disabilities from around the globe to unite in a time of social isolation and highlight the important role they play in creating opportunities for inclusion.

9:00-10:00 AM

Option 1

Panel: Building Connections
Addressing the lack of social connection among young people with and without ID

Through this panel discussion, participants will learn how the pandemic has changed the lives of young people worldwide. The lack of social connection among young people with and without ID has disrupted education, lack of employment, mental health issues, and much more. The panel will discuss the issue at hand and address the role young people can have in combating social isolation

10:00-11:00 AM

Option 1

EDUCATE
Connecting Youth through Development of Leadership Skills

Young people are mobilizing every day to answer the most pressing challenges impacting marginalized groups. During this workshop, participants will understand the definition of leadership, learn new skills and approaches, and identify opportunities to create more inclusive leadership practices.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Option 1

ENABLE
Youth as a Driving Force for Creating Connections through Project Management

During this workshop, participants will be empowered to turn their ideas into a reality. Young people will be enabled as change makers with new skills and ways of working to maximize their impact while leading projects. Through conversations about global advocacy and networking, young people will learn how to work smarter in an ever-changing and dynamic world.

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Option 1

ENGAGE
Connecting through the Power of Sport for Inclusion

Participants will learn about the scope of sport in a global context, understand how sport can support personal and leadership development, and identify ways they can use sport to connect with others in their local school and communities.

5:00 - 6:00 PM

Youth Leaders Got Talent!

Special Olympics Youth Leaders showcase their various talents through a talent festival where they have the chance to network and connect with other young people from around the world.

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Option 2

Panel: Building Connections
Addressing the lack of social connection among young people with and without ID

Through this panel discussion, participants will learn how the pandemic has changed the lives of young people worldwide. The lack of social connection among young people with and without ID has disrupted education, lack of employment, mental health issues, and much more. The panel will discuss the issue at hand and address the role young people can have in combating social isolation

7:00 - 8:00 PM

Option 2

EDUCATE
Connecting Youth through Development of Leadership Skills

Young people are mobilizing every day to answer the most pressing challenges impacting marginalized groups. During this workshop, participants will understand the definition of leadership, learn new skills and approaches, and identify opportunities to create more inclusive leadership practices.

8:00 - 9:00 PM

Option 2

ENABLE
Youth as a Driving Force for Creating Connections through Project Management

During this workshop, participants will be empowered to turn their ideas into a reality. Young people will be enabled as change makers with new skills and ways of working to maximize their impact while leading projects. Through conversations about global advocacy and networking, young people will learn how to work smarter in an ever-changing and dynamic world.

9:00 - 10:00 PM

Option 2

ENGAGE
Connecting through the Power of Special Olympics Unified Sports

Participants will learn about the scope of Special Olympics Unified Sports globally and about opportunities to engage in inclusive sports in their local school and communities.

Eastern Standard Time (UTC-4:00)

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Option 1

Inclusion Talk: Advocating for Connection

Through this discussion, we will hear from a few leading experts in inclusion and advocacy who will address the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of life.

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Option 1

EDUCATE
Uniting to Tackle Challenges in the World through Youth Connection

Participants will learn how they can advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an accessible and relevant way to other young people – both with and without ID - in different contexts. Youth will serve as a diverse network of young leaders for others to connect with and support leading initiatives related to the SDGs.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Option 1

ENABLE
Connecting in Times of Conflict

Throughout this session, young people will learn about conflict resolution and creating connections in post-conflict life, transitional justice, and peace.

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Option 1

ENGAGE
Changing Attitudes and Creating Connections Starts in Schools

In this session, participants will learn about Special Olympics’ education work in schools, Unified Schools, and how they are creating a more inclusive world. By empowering youth to be leaders of change, they will learn how they can positively impact their school communities by promoting social inclusion.

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Option 2

Inclusion Talk: Advocating for Connection

Through this discussion, we will hear from a few leading experts in inclusion and advocacy who will address the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of life.

7:00 - 8:00 PM

Option 2

EDUCATE
Uniting to Tackle Challenges in the World through Youth Connection

Participants will learn how they can advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an accessible and relevant way to other young people – both with and without ID - in different contexts. Youth will serve as a diverse network of young leaders for others to connect with and support leading initiatives related to the SDGs.

8:00 - 9:00 PM

Option 2

ENABLE
Connecting in Times of Conflict

Throughout this session, young people will learn about conflict resolution and creating connections in post-conflict life, transitional justice, and peace.

9:00 - 10:00 PM

Option 2

ENGAGE
Changing Attitudes and Creating Connections Starts in Schools

In this session, participants will learn about Special Olympics’ education work in schools, Unified Schools, and how they are creating a more inclusive world. By empowering youth to be leaders of change, they will learn how they can positively impact their school communities by promoting social inclusion.

Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Youth Leaders with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) can attend the event. Alongside the youth, adult mentors and Special Olympics staff can participate as well.
Yes, you need to register to participate in the event.
No, you do not need to install any software. You only need to have internet access to attend.
Google Chrome and Firefox are the recommended for streaming.
Your login details will be emailed to you after you register. You will use this information to login.
Live sessions will be recorded and will be available on the platform for 30 days following the Summit. You will be able to attend whenever is the best time for you!
Yes, we will have materials from sessions and general resources available for participants to download.
The Virtual Global Youth Leadership Summit is free for all attendees!
  • Watch online presentations
  • Participate in inclusive youth leadership and project management trainings
  • Download resources to review later
  • Chat live with other participants, speakers, and Special Olympics staff