Learn and Connect with IREX and Global Young Leaders at The Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit (GYEOS)
GYEOS Sessions Resources Technical Experts
At the 2024 Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit (GYEOS), IREX is excited to join forces with nine dynamic local organizations and a diverse group of young leaders, all dedicated to advancing youth economic empowerment.
Throughout the summit, IREX will lead several sessions that focus on cutting-edge strategies for youth development, emphasizing our efforts to empower young people through education, leadership, and economic opportunities. We are especially proud to highlight the inspiring stories of Ukrainian entrepreneurs supported by IREX, who have shown remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. We invite all attendees to connect with our partners and young leaders at the summit, learn from their experiences, and explore how we can collaboratively drive meaningful global impact in youth economic opportunities.
Join us in-person for the following sessions:
Day 1 - Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Theme: Problem Solving
Applying YP2LE's MERL Practitioner Toolkit to Youth Economic Opportunities Program
In this training, attendees will learn about and practice applying USAID YP2LE’s newly published PYD MERL Practitioner Toolkit to improve MERL strategies, processes, and implementation.
- Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
- Room: Fenton
Speakers:
Melissa Donaher, MEL Specialist, Center for Education, USAID
Sharika Bhattacharya, Advisor, Research, Evaluation, and Learning, Making Cents International
Chelsea Pallatino Trevelline, Senior Specialist, Research, Evaluation, and Learning, Making Cents International
Miguel Nunez, Senior Technical Advisor, Creative Associates International
Mark Meziere, Senior Associate (MEAL) and Research, Skills to Succeed, Save the Children
Brian Batayeh, Implementation Research Technical Advisor, IREX
Day 2 - Wednesday September 11, 2024
Theme: Evidence Sharing
Building Better TVET Systems: Global Insights and Practical Lessons
This session will highlight new World Bank findings on the challenges facing TVET systems, such as weak labor market links and lack of interest, and share lessons from global TVET investments on engaging the private sector, supporting student equity, and improving impact through results-based financing.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Room: Fenton
Speakers:
Fatlume Halili, Senior Ecosystem Relationships Manager, IREX
Hillary Proctor, Senior Director, Economic Opportunities, Making Cents International
Benjamin Stephens, Associate Partner, Instiglio
Responding to a World at Flux: Building Ukrainian Youth Entrepreneurs
Embark on a dynamic journey with the UNITY Ukraine team and youth entrepreneurs in this TedEx-style session about resilient entrepreneurship in today's world. Ukrainian youth entrepreneurs in the green economy will share their stories of adaptation, uncovering the "magical kick" for growth.
- Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Room: Spring
Speakers:
Inna Lubynets, Making Cents International, Team Lead
Mehri Druckman, Ukraine Country Director/Senior Advisor for Global Programs, IREX
Yelyzaveta Osadcha, Co-founder & Co-owner, TOIWT LLC (Melt Water), Participant of Unity Business Support Program for Youth-led Entrepreneurs
Mykola Kysleiko, Co-founder & Director, Kysleiko PE (Future Farm), Participant of Unity Business Support Program for Youth-led Entrepreneurs
Oksana Bryndzak, Co-founder, Vbrani, participant of UNITY Business Support Program for Social Youth-led Entrepreneurs
Alina Bocharnikova, Senior Mentor, School of Mindful Entrepreneurship
Day 3 - Thursday, September 12
Theme: Emerging Innovations Showcase Day
Enhancing Youth Economic Opportunities with Local Systems: A Locally Driven, Collective Action Model
By 2030, 1.3 billion youth are expected to make up 16% of the global population, yet economic opportunities remain scarce, and challenges like rising inflation and civic unrest threaten their future. In this session, we will discuss the Youth Excel ICON model, showcasing evidence from local implementers in Kisumu, Kenya, on how it has effectively addressed youth economic opportunities and sharing key lessons from nearly three years of implementation.
- Time: 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
- Room: Ellsworth
Speakers:
James Karongo, Regional Program Officer, Youth Excel, IREX
Arthur Onyango, Partnerships and Advocacy Officer, Tinada Youth Organization
Sharon Adhiambo, Head of Programs, Women in Sustainable Enterprise (WISE) Kenya
James Odhiambo, Project Coordinator, Sustainable Rural Initiatives (SRI) Kenya
Taking a Comprehensive Approach to Youth Leadership and Private Sector Partnership
Palestinian youth face high unemployment rates, while the private sector struggles to find skilled workers, particularly in technical and vocational fields due to a disconnect between TVET programs and market needs. This session will explore innovative approaches to aligning TVET curriculum with private sector demands, emphasizing youth leadership and the integration of emerging skills, sustainability, and digitalization to better meet both youth and industry needs.
- Time: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
- Room: Ellsworth
Speakers :
Elena Halasa, Senior Program Officer II, IREX
Thomas Archibald, Executive Director, Center for International Research, Education and Development, Virginia Tech
Practical Solutions for Fostering Systems Change through Program Design and Implementation
This session introduces the youth systems change framework, offering insights and practical tools to enhance your youth programming for systemic and sustainable impact. Whether you're experienced or new to systems change, you'll gain research-backed strategies and actionable steps to integrate systems thinking into your work.
- Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Room: Great Hall
Speakers:
Magdalena Fulton, Director, Youth Development, IREX
James Karongo, Regional Program Officer, Youth Excel, IREX
Karla Yoder, Senior Youth Workforce Specialist, World Learning
Rachel Blum, Senior Technical Advisor, Youth Workforce Development, EDC