Pinar R.O.
New York, NY, 08.12.24 – The International Youth Foundation (IYF) marked a significant milestone by ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in honor of International Youth Day 2024. This symbolic event highlighted young people’s vital role in driving digital innovation for sustainable development, in alignment with this year’s theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
The ceremony, led by IYF President & CEO Christina Sass, was a powerful reminder of the global impact that young people can have when they are empowered with the right tools and opportunities. Sass, who joined IYF in the spring of 2024 after co-founding Andela, a platform connecting young technologists in Africa with global opportunities, spoke passionately about supporting youth initiatives.
“Today’s bell ringing is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action,” said Sass. “IYF is committed to amplifying the voices of young people and supporting their journey toward a sustainable future. These young innovators can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges with the right resources.”
For nearly 35 years, IYF has been at the forefront of connecting young people with opportunities to transform their lives. From empowering youth to take control of their futures and providing essential skills and resources for better job prospects, IYF’s initiatives are deeply rooted in creating environments supporting youth development worldwide. The foundation’s efforts focus on digital solutions, experiential life skills curricula, workforce development programs, social entrepreneurship networks, and tools for gender equity and social inclusion.
The bell-ringing event at Nasdaq is just one of many activities IYF has organized throughout August to celebrate International Youth Day. Each event underscores the foundation’s unwavering commitment to the next generation and its transformative power in shaping the future.
IYF Board Chair Joseph M. Matalon echoed these sentiments during the event: “As we ring the Nasdaq bell, we celebrate the achievements of young people worldwide and reaffirm our dedication to creating more inclusive and equitable opportunities for all. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together.”
As proud supporters of IYF, we at She.Work are inspired by their mission and their impact on millions of young lives across the globe. But the job is far from over. The challenges facing today’s youth are immense, from climate change to economic inequality, and they need our continued support.
We encourage you to join us in supporting IYF’s mission. Your donations can provide critical resources, training, and opportunities to young people ready to lead and innovate. By investing in the future of youth, we are investing in a better world for everyone.
To learn more about IYF and how you can contribute to their efforts, please visit their website at iyfglobal.org. Together, we can help young people realize their full potential and build a brighter, more sustainable future.
Donate to IYF now and make an impact on youth!
About IYF
The International Youth Foundation® (IYF®) stands by, for, and with young people. Founded in 1990 through a generous grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, IYF is a global nonprofit with programs benefiting 7.7 million young people and operations spanning 100 countries. The foundation connects young people with local community-based organizations and a network of corporate, foundation, and multilateral partners with opportunities to transform their lives. IYF believes that educated, employed, engaged young people possess the power to solve the world’s most challenging problems, and we focus our youth development efforts on three linked objectives: unlocking agency, driving economic opportunity, and making systems more inclusive. IYF aims to see young people inspired and equipped to realize their desired future.
