Scene Setters:

Keynote Speaker:
His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail,
The Crown Prince of Perlis

Moderator: Jean Tan, Executive Director, Singapore International Foundation (SIF), Singapore

Speakers:

• Anne Kahuria, Global Youth Engagement Officer and Sosina Meheretu, Global Youth Engagement Manager, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), United Kingdom
• Dr. Mohamed Maliki bin Mohamed Rapiee, Director, International Youth Centre (IYC), Malaysia
• Dr. Moses Okech, Makerere University, Uganda

These breakout sessions offer a chance to explore the day’s themes in greater depth. Two of the parallel sessions will feature a small panel of speakers who will share insights and spark discussion, while the other two are interactive workshops for delegates to work with a facilitator to explore a variety of views, share experiences, identify challenges, and develop solutions on key topics.

Panel Session 1: Engaging and retaining a new generation of volunteers

Moderator:
Yvette Macabuag,Director for Programme Quality and Impact, Cuso International, Canada

Speakers:

• Dr. Wan Ahmad Hazman bin Wan Daud, Deputy Chairman II, Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS), Malaysia
• Marsya Peni Nurmaranti, Executive Director, Shendy Ristandi, Community Engagement Coordinator Indorelawan, Indonesia
• Prof. Rebecca Tiessen, University of Ottawa, Canada

Volunteer-involving organisations face unique challenges in engaging and retaining the new generation of volunteers. In this session, we will explore strategies to effectively engage the interest and commitment of youth volunteers, and uncover:

1. What are the key factors that motivate youth volunteers to engage in global citizenship and volunteerism?
2. What organisations can do to effectively engage the interests and commitment of youth volunteers? What valuable insights have been gained from unsuccessful approaches?
3. What strategies and initiatives have been successful in retaining and keeping youth volunteers engaged after their volunteer experience, ensuring their continued contribution to global development after their volunteer experiences?

Scene Setters:

• Desmond Lim, Institute of Technical Education, Singapore
• Juana Elescano, Oxfam-Quebec, Peru
• Niki Lee, Singapore International Foundation (SIF), Singapore
• Zaim Mohzani, Nation Building School, Malaysia

Co-Facilitators:
Jestyn Koh, Joanna Tan, and Ying Jie Tan, Singapore International Foundation (SIF), Singapore

Youth volunteers are a powerful catalyst for transformative change. Join us in this interactive workshop to explore together what makes volunteering truly meaningful for young people. Delve into their unique experiences, their expectations, and the factors that determine their engagement and fulfilment. During this session, we will share:

1. The experiences of youth volunteers, and how these experiences shape their understanding of meaningful engagement?
2. What are the expectations and motivations of youth volunteers when it comes to volunteer work, and how can these be effectively aligned with meaningful opportunities that create development impact?
3. What can we learn from the experiences of youth volunteers when engaging at the international, regional, and local levels, and how does that impact existing international volunteering programmes?

Scene Setter:
Dr. Chris Millora, Goldsmiths, University of London, United Kingdom and Renan Herrera, Youth Co-Researcher for Literacies of Dissent, Philippines

Co-facilitators:

• Melanie Gow, CEO, Australian Volunteers International (AVI), Australia
• Vander Finotti, Senior Analyst for Strategic Partnerships, Vetor Brasil & Instituto Gesto, Brazil

Discover models and programmes that emerge from and resonate with the new generation of volunteers, and how they offer transformative volunteering experiences that address development challenges and empower youth as changemakers. This interactive workshop will delve into:

1. What new and innovative programmes have been developed by, and resonate with, the new generation of volunteers while addressing pressing development challenges?
2. What are the key elements of successful programmes and models for and aimed at youth, and how do they empower youth-led initiatives and enable active participation?
3. What kinds of support and opportunities for meaningful engagement do organisations provide to nurture the potential of youth volunteers?

‘Jalan-Jalan is a Malaysian phrase meaning ‘to wander’. It invites you to venture out and explore the world. So Jalan-Jalan over to our foyer for many side events. Also check out the booths hosted by many amazing organisations including our partners and discover their wonderful work.

Scene Setters:
1. Prof. Matt Baillie Smith, Northumbria University
2. Siti Nurwala, YSS Alumni

Cultural Activity – Please register the activity of your choice with the QR code at the back of your name badge. Seats are limited.

Cultural Activity 1: ‘Silat’ – Martial Arts

Rooted in the heart of Malaysian heritage, an art form that embodies the nation’s strength and unity.

Cultural Activity 2: ‘Bamboo Dance – Magunatip’

A cherished Sabah treasure, the bamboo dance of the Murut tribe, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Borneo.

Cultural Activity 3: ‘Batik’ Painting

A canvas of Malaysian identity, where wax and dye transform fabric into vibrant tales of tradition and heritage.

Cultural Activity 4: ‘Anyaman – Orang Asli’

The art of weaving by the Mah Meri tribe, skillfully crafting with leaves and rattan to perpetuate the cultural heritage of Malaysia’s indigenous communities.

Grab a cup of coffee, meet your fellow conference delegates, and get settled into your seats.

Please be seated for important housekeeping announcements, logistical information, and safety guidelines to keep in mind throughout the event.

The IVCO 2023 begins with getting your energy in check and setting the tone of the conference.

Scene Setters:

1. Prof. Matt Baillie Smith, Northumbria University
2. Siti Nurwala, YSS Alumni

Decolonising Power and Privilege in Youth Volunteering

Moderator:
William Bougaire, International Programme Director, Oxfam-Quebec, Canada

Speakers:

• Dr. Amjad Mohamed Saleem, Manager of Volunteering, Youth and Education Development, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Switzerland
• Dr. Chris Millora, Goldsmiths, University of London, United Kingdom
• Hani Nurlina, Youth Action Officer, Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), France

‘Jalan-Jalan is a Malaysian phrase meaning ‘to wander’. It invites you to venture out and explore the world. So Jalan-Jalan over to our foyer for many side events. Also check out the booths hosted by many amazing organisations including our partners and discover their wonderful work.

Panel Session 3: Youth volunteering programmes as a route to employment and entrepreneurship

Moderator:
Prof. Matt Baillie Smith, Northumbria University, UK

Speakers:

• Nichole Cirillo, Executive Director, IAVE
• Tapiwa Kamuruko, Policy Specialist, UNV Germany
• Peris Mwangi, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, and Sophia Nthuku, Programme Operations Assistant, Habitat for Humanity, Kenya

Youth volunteering can serve as a stepping stone to employment but this does not happen automatically. Youth volunteering organisations must design and develop programmes that intentionally and effectively upskill young people, equipping them with the necessary competencies for a brighter future. During this session, we will learn:

1. How can we ensure that youth volunteering experiences provide opportunities for skill development, fostering the acquisition of transferable skills such as leadership, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving?
2. How can we offer a comprehensive learning environment, combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and training opportunities in our programmes? What support can organisations offer to volunteers after their placement, to help them advance in their careers?
3. How can organisations and stakeholders like funders and host organisations collaborate to create pathways for youth volunteers, bridging the gap between volunteering experiences and meaningful employment, entrepreneurship or further education?

Moderator:
Francois Awounkeu, Country Representative, Cuso International, Cameroon

Speakers:

• Emmanuelle Parent, Volunteer Cooperation Program Coordinator, International Bureau for Children’s Rights (IBCR), Canada
• Jonathan Hunter, Regional Director Asia Archipelago, Australian Volunteers Program, Australia
• Priscilla Gan Pei Pei, Director (Volunteer Resource Optimisation), National Council of Social Service, Singapore

Scene Setter:
Pablo Dourojeanni, Program Adviser, NOREC, Norway

Co-facilitators:

• Seynabou Gaye, Volunteer Engagement Officer, Crossroads International, Canada
• Michelle Theresa Joseph, Program Manager, and Erin Bateman, Program Director, World University Service Canada (WUSC), Canada

In recent years, young people have grasped the initiative and, through volunteerism and activism, taking action on climate justice and other complex development challenges such as disaster mitigation and adaptation, migration, power imbalances and injustice. This interactive workshop will delve into:

1. What is the motivation and how are youth volunteers coming together to tackle complex development challenges, often outside the structures of established organisations?
2. How are they creating impact and what can volunteer-involving organisations and stakeholders such as the government and funders support the causes?
3. How can organisations and communities leverage the interconnectedness of volunteerism and activism and contribute to the momentum generated by the action of youth volunteers on these issues?

Scene Setters & Co-facilitators:

• Lucie Morillon, Communications and Civic Engagegement Director, France Volontaires
• Prof. Rebecca Tiessen, University of Ottawa, Canada

The worlds of volunteering and voluntourism rarely intersect, but we should seek to understand the realities of voluntourism and the concerns we may have about it. At the same time, we have a responsibility to share good practices, and there may be opportunities to learn from the experience of voluntourism operators. This interactive workshop will lift the lid on voluntourism and explore:

1. How can guidelines and standards ensure responsible volunteering practices that prioritise the needs and interests of communities, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable development?
2. How can we proactively address the criticisms and challenges associated with voluntourism through knowledge exchange, transparency, and ethical partnerships?
3. How can we collaborate to harness the potential advantages of voluntourism, such as cross-cultural exchange, increased intercultural awareness, and enhanced global citizenship, while minimising the negative aspects?

Scene Setters:
Prof. Matt Baillie Smith, Northumbria University
Siti Nurwala, YSS Alumni

Please be seated for important housekeeping announcements, logistical information, and safety guidelines to keep in mind throughout the event.

The IVCO 2023 begins with getting your energy in check and setting the tone of the conference.

Scene Setters:
Prof. Matt Baillie Smith, Northumbria University
Siti Nurwala, YSS Alumni

Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood,
Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University

Moderator:
Mahao Charles Matete, Human Resources Associate, African Union Youth Division

Speakers:

• Maureen Herman, Chief of Programming and Training, Peace Corps, US
• Ong Kah Kuang, Executive Director, Youth Corps Singapore
• Emma Agricola, Founder, INCLUSYOUNG, Netherlands

The final plenary delves into the significance of placing the agency and aspirations of young people at the centre of volunteering in development efforts. By empowering young people to become changemakers for a better tomorrow, there is significance in cultivating a culture that encourages young people towards future foresight. This session will examine:

1. What role does youth future foresight play in shaping sustainable solutions?
2. How can we foster a culture of youth future foresight to encourage young people to develop forward-thinking and visionary perspectives?
3. What strategies can be employed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in shaping the future and be integrated into decision-making processes at various levels, including policy-making, community development, and organisational planning?

The final day breakout sessions offer a chance to explore the day’s themes in greater depth through four interactive workshops for delegates to work with facilitator(s) to explore a variety of views, share experiences, identify challenges, and develop solutions on key topics.

Workshop 5: Social innovation, technology, and volunteering in development

Scene Setter:
Vera Chrobok, Policy Analyst, United Nations Volunteers (UNV), Germany

Co-facilitators:

• Erin Bateman, Program Director, World University Service of Canada (WUSC), Canada
  
• Rahim Hassanali, Global Leadership Manager, Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), United Kingdom

Social innovation and technology can optimise efficiency and amplify the impact of volunteering efforts. As we embrace these transformative forces, we will delve into the trends, breakthroughs, and possibilities that enable us to optimise our efficiency, enhance volunteer engagement, and create sustainable solutions to address complex social challenges. During this session, we will discover:

1. What are the emerging social innovation trends and advancements that have the potential to revolutionise volunteering in development and maximise our impact?
2. How can technology be harnessed as a tool to enhance volunteer engagement, streamline processes, and foster inclusive participation, while acknowledging the realities of the digital divide?
3. In what ways can social innovation and technology contribute to the development of scalable, sustainable, and impactful solutions that address the root causes of social issues and promote long-term positive change?

Scene Setter:
Hattaya Wongsaengpaiboon, Technical Lead Volunteering for Development, VSO, Thailand

Co-facilitators:

• Maximillan G. Ventura, Chairperson, Philippines Coalition on Volunteerism, Philippines
• Lucie Morillon, Communications and Civic Engagement Director, France Volontaires

Volunteer-involving organisations have a significant role to play in shaping policy and advocacy efforts at local, national, and international levels. We will explore how we can effectively engage with policymakers, leverage partnerships, and amplify the voices of youth volunteers. During this session, we will discover:

1. What strategies and approaches can volunteer-involving organisations adopt to influence policy and advocate for the recognition and support of youth volunteering at the local, national, and international levels?
2. What innovative practices and success stories exist that demonstrate the impact of policy and advocacy initiatives in creating an enabling environment for youth volunteering? How can we replicate and scale these efforts?
3. How can partnerships and collaborations between volunteer involving organisations, governments, civil society, and other stakeholders be leveraged to strengthen policy and advocacy efforts for youth volunteering in development?

Scene Setter:
Michael McCabe, Regional Director for the Inter-America and Pacific Region, Peace Corps

Co-facilitators:

• Dr. Amjad Mohamed Saleem, Manager, IFRC, Geneva
• Heather Shapter, Executive Director, Crossroads International, Canada

Sustainable funding models are crucial to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of youth volunteering. This session will explore pioneering approaches to secure and maintain financial resources, drive innovation, and build a sustainable future for volunteering in development. This interactive workshop will delve into:

1. What innovative funding approaches and models can be integrated into youth volunteering programmes to ensure their sustainability in the long term?
2. How can we diversify funding sources by engaging various stakeholders, including governments, philanthropic organisations, and private sector partners, to support youth volunteering initiatives?
3. What strategies, best practices, and success stories exist in building sustainable funding models for volunteering in development? How can we adapt and replicate these approaches to meet the sector’s evolving needs?

Scene Setter:
Dr. Moses Okech, Makerere University, Uganda

Co-facilitators:

• Nick Ockenden, Project Manager, IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support
• Siti Nurwala, Alumni, Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS), Malaysia

This youth-led session will be the culmination of consultations throughout the conference to produce a high-level Call to Action that IVCO 2023 delegates can take back to their organisations. The Call to Action will set out ways to effectively create an environment that enables, engages, and empowers youth volunteering.

Scene Setters:
Prof. Matt Baillie Smith, Northumbria University
Siti Nurwala, YSS Alumni