Empower the Next Gen of Global Female Leaders
Launched in 2009 under the name G(irls) 20, Fora: Network for Change continues to place young women at the centre of the decision-making process.
What does Fora mean? Fora, the plural of forum, is defined as places or mediums where ideas and views are exchanged. This name represents our approach to programs, community, and advocacy work. It shifts attention away from any one institution or individual to reflect a larger community. Fora are dynamic, as is the organization. Fora is a name that gives space to the organization to grow and change while also amplifying the current vision and mission.
Beginning with two signature programs, the Global Summit and Girls on Boards, they have now added two more programs called Master Class and Next Level. All of these programs make strategic investments in young women through education and training, building networks, and access to unparalleled opportunities.
Like so many other organisations, the global pandemic created a pause on their programming but it also created a time to reflect and build for the future of Fora, the young women participating in their programs as well as their global alumnae.
In 2022 Fora is charging “full steam ahead” with their Global Summit which will reflect several key changes. BBS continues to support Fora with fundraising efforts to support the delegate costs for the Global Summit as well as by placing volunteers.
Please note: the video above is hosted on Youtube and may require a VPN to access in some countries.
2022 Global Summit
Since 2010, the Global Summit has brought together young leaders from across the globe to build leadership skills and a powerful network for advocacy and action!
Delegates represented the G20 countries as well as MENA, the African Union and Indigenous Peoples. With the return in 2022, the Global Summit is open to applicants from every country and region in the world!
Thirty (30) Delegates from around the world will meet to build their advocacy skills, grow their confidence as advocates, and build networks in order to advance gender equality and women’s leadership in their home countries.
Planning for 2022 will reflect the current environment. A Global Summit will take place in the latter half of 2022. Fora’s team is committed to ensuring equity is central to their decision-making processes, amidst global inequities in vaccine access and travel restrictions.
Given the many variables caused by COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, instead of identifying a date before opening applications, they will first recruit and identify the thirty 2022 Delegates.
Once the thrity Delegates are selected, the Fora team will assess each Delegate’s access to the vaccine and other travel restrictions and realities. With this information, a decision will be made about when the Global Summit will be held, and whether it will be held in-person or virtually.
If held in-person, the Global Summit will take place in Toronto, Canada. In this case, Fora will continue our commitment to ensure the Global Summit is barrier-free, including covering the costs of travel, visas, and COVID-19 related considerations for all Delegates.
What Does the Summit Involve?
Application process: Completion of an application detailing your experience and interest in leadership, community development and advocacy. Shortlisted applicants will have a video call interview with Ambassadors and finalists will interview with the CEO.
Pre-Global Summit: Completion of workshops, readings, and group virtual work to get to know Fora and fellow Delegates. In advance of the Global Summit, you may expect to dedicate 5-10 hours per month towards preparation.
Global Summit: One week of workshops, networking, and collaboration with fellow Delegates in Toronto, Canada. All costs are covered by Fora as noted above.
Global Summit Leadership Forum: A one-day, public event with speakers and special guests held in Toronto, Canada at the end of the week-long Global Summit.
Post-Global Summit: Mentoring, ongoing skill-building, and travel and speaking opportunities through Fora to continue to influence decision-makers.
The application process opened on January 25, 2022 and to be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2022 and no older than 24 as of December 31, 2022, and identify as women and/or gender diverse.
Applicants will apply under their UN Regional Group, as indicated below:
- African Group
- Asia and the Pacific Group
- Eastern European Group
- Latin American and Caribbean States Group
- Western European and Other Group
- Indigenous Peoples Group
An additional Regional Group, “Indigenous Peoples Group” has been created for Global Summit applicants to address the historic erasure of Indigenous peoples from international meetings and global affairs.
Each of the 6 Regional Groups will be represented. The number of Delegates from each Regional Group will be determined by the volume of applications received under that Regional Group. (E.g.: If 300 applications are received under “African Group” and 100 are received under “Western European and Other Group”, there may be 6 African Group Delegates and 2 Western European and Other Group Delegates).
For more information as well as details on where/how to apply please email BBS at info@nullbbsociety.org