About ICOY
The International Conference on Youth is an international academic and dialogue platform dedicated to advancing discussion on youth development, leadership, innovation and participation in society.
Overview
ICOY serves as a forum where young people, scholars, educators, policymakers and practitioners exchange ideas, share research and engage in conversations on issues that affect youth at local, national and global levels.
It is designed to bridge youth perspectives and institutional frameworks, creating a structured setting for collaboration, learning and the exchange of knowledge across disciplines.
Why it matters
In a time of rapid social, economic and technological change, young people are increasingly innovators, leaders and agents of change. ICOY gives them a place to shape the discussions that influence the future of their societies.
It encourages critical thinking, informed dialogue and practical solutions to present-day challenges, and supports ideas that contribute to sustainable development, social progress and global cooperation.
To establish ICOY as a globally recognised platform that empowers young people through knowledge exchange, innovation and collaborative learning, with youth engaged as leaders, innovators and change-makers contributing to sustainable development, social progress and global cooperation.
- Provide an international platform for dialogue on youth issues, opportunities and development.
- Encourage youth participation in academic, social and policy discussions.
- Promote innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking among young people.
- Facilitate collaboration between youth, scholars, policymakers and practitioners.
- Support the knowledge, skills and ideas that help young people address global challenges.
How ICOY works
An annual conference
Held once a year, in person. Each edition can be hosted by a different institution, which broadens regional representation and cross-cultural exchange.
Events all year
ICOY Regionals keep the conversation going between conferences, online and in person, hosted by the ICOY team or by licensed local hosts.
One set of standards
Every edition and every event follows the same principles and guidelines, so the ICOY name means the same thing everywhere.
Guiding principles
- Academic integrity. Claims are honest and grounded in evidence.
- Inclusivity. Participation is open across backgrounds, regions and disciplines.
- Collaboration. Progress comes from sharing ideas, research and experience.
- Ethical responsibility. Dialogue is respectful, and independence from commercial or political influence is protected.
Governance
ICOY is an initiative of the Ahmedabad Centre for Research and Innovation (ACRI), the institutional authority responsible for its governance, continuity and strategic development.
ACRI provides oversight so that ICOY operates according to its principles and keeps its academic and organisational standards consistent across editions, while allowing flexibility in hosting and programme design.
Who takes part
Students, young leaders, researchers, educators, policy professionals and representatives of civil society organisations. ICOY values the diversity of perspective that comes from bringing these groups into the same room.