PREVIOUS PROGRAMS
International Volunteer Forum 2025 Event Report
The 3rd Edition of the International Volunteer Forum (IVF 2025) was successfully held in Istanbul, Turkey, from August 14–17, 2025. Organized by the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA), the forum gathered young leaders, volunteers, policymakers, and changemakers from across the world to engage in meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, and collective action for global good.
With the theme “Empowering Changemakers | Elevating Voices | Enabling Impact,” IVF 2025 provided a unique platform for cross-cultural learning, leadership development, and advancing youth-led solutions for global challenges.
Organized by:
Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance
Event:
Future Diplomats Forum (FDF) 2025
Dates:
April 3–6, 2025
Location:
Washington, D.C., USA
Organized by:
HISA – Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance
Event:
International Volunteer Forum (IVF)
Dates:
August 14–17, 2025
Location:
Ottoperla Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey
HOW DELEGATES JOINED
Four Participation Categories
Fully Funded
$16.50
- Round Trip Air Tickets
- Exclusive Invitation Letter
- Shared Accommodation
- Forum Access
- Congress & Think Tanks Visit
- Forum Meals Only & Merchandise
- Be an International Speaker
- Get Certification from US Institute
Invitation Letter
$120
- Exclusive Invitation Letter
- Opportunity to Upgrade
- Visa Support / Assistance
Perfect for participants seeking installments and potential upgrades! You can request your invitation letter, and if you upgrade later, a total of $150 will be adjusted into your balance to upgrade into a self-funded category.
Self Funded
$1,350
- Exclusive Invitation Letter
- Shared Accommodation
- Forum Access
- Congress & Think Tanks Visit
- Forum Meals Only & Merchandise
- Be an International Speaker
- Get Certification from US Institute
Forum Access
$699
- Forum Access
- Congress & Think Tanks Visit
- Forum Meals Only & Merchandise
- Be an International Speaker
- Get Certification from US Institute
DAY-BY-DAY REPORT
Program Highlights
- August 14, 2025
- Opening Ceremony with keynote addresses from global leaders
- Special Opening Session by Ahmad Toor, Founder & CEO of HISA, encouraging youth leadership and action
- Networking sessions introducing delegates to one another
- Ice-breaking and cultural exchange activities
- Networking Dinner to foster deeper connections
Arrivals and hotel check-ins
Media interviews and delegate photoshoot
Welcome Speech & Opening Address by Habib Toor, Event Director
Delegates Introductory Session
Session on “The Importance of Connectivity and Cultural Intelligence”
Networking Dinner to kick off the fellowship with global connections
Arrivals and hotel check-ins
Media interviews and delegate photoshoot
Welcome Speech & Opening Address by Habib Toor, Event Director
Delegates Introductory Session
Session on “The Importance of Connectivity and Cultural Intelligence”
Networking Dinner to kick off the fellowship with global connections
- August 15, 2025
- Masterclasses on policy design, advocacy, and social impact
- Guest Speaker Session: Volunteering in Conflict & Post-Conflict Zones by Assoc. Prof. UĞUR YASİN ASAL
- Networking lunch and future collaboration discussions
- Youth Statements 2025 Presentation
- Istanbul City Tour, including:
- Eminönü
- Spice Bazaar
- Grand Bazaar
- Sultan Ahmed Square
- Hagia Sophia
Arrivals and hotel check-ins
Media interviews and delegate photoshoot
Welcome Speech & Opening Address by Habib Toor, Event Director
Delegates Introductory Session
Session on “The Importance of Connectivity and Cultural Intelligence”
Networking Dinner to kick off the fellowship with global connections
Arrivals and hotel check-ins
Media interviews and delegate photoshoot
Welcome Speech & Opening Address by Habib Toor, Event Director
Delegates Introductory Session
Session on “The Importance of Connectivity and Cultural Intelligence”
Networking Dinner to kick off the fellowship with global connections
- August 16, 2025
- Interactive capacity-building workshops
- Delegates presenting their own youth initiatives
- Guest Speaker Session: Joel Moriasi Obwoge, Filmmaker/Storyteller – (Spoke on power of storytelling & youth transformation)
- Networking lunch and future collaboration discussions
- Masterclass: Protection of Volunteers through International Law by Barrister Ali Tahir
- Closing ceremony and certificate distribution
Arrivals and hotel check-ins
Media interviews and delegate photoshoot
Welcome Speech & Opening Address by Habib Toor, Event Director
Delegates Introductory Session
Session on “The Importance of Connectivity and Cultural Intelligence”
Networking Dinner to kick off the fellowship with global connections
- August 17, 2025
- Breakfast and hotel check-outs
Arrivals and hotel check-ins
Media interviews and delegate photoshoot
Welcome Speech & Opening Address by Habib Toor, Event Director
Delegates Introductory Session
Session on “The Importance of Connectivity and Cultural Intelligence”
Networking Dinner to kick off the fellowship with global connections
OUTCOMES AND IMPACT
Turning Participation Into Progress
- Youth Statement 2025 drafted, capturing recommendations on youth empowerment, sustainability, and global volunteerism
- Strengthened networks of 100+ changemakers from diverse regions
- Launch of collaborative projects in education, sustainability, and community development
- Increased awareness of ethical volunteering and cross-border cooperation
- Delegates expressed strengthened leadership skills, global exposure, and enhanced motivation to drive impact in their communities.
- IVF 2025 amplified youth voices in global conversations, inspiring participants to continue contributing towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
LINKEDIN TESTIMONIALS
Voices of Future Diplomats
Hear from IVF 2025 participants as they share how the forum expanded their perspectives, strengthened leadership skills, and built meaningful global connections.
Destin MANARIYO
Founder/CEO of IGIS
Amal Tatay
Business Analytics & Marketing Student
Roumaissa Khadidja MOSBAH
Creative English Teacher | TEFL-Certified | Curriculum Developer
Rauf Hasanzade
Student at International Maarif Schools Of Bucharest
Remus Sabadas
International Relations PhD Student
Lord Justice Okanta Kumi
Multidisciplinary Project Manager
Kofi Gyau-Kyereh
Youth Diplomat
Suvethasree P U
ASU Learning Enterprise
Gabriela Williams
International Relations Concentration
Jaeda McDonald
Future Diplomats Forum Delegate
Kateryna Ostrovska
MD, Lean Green Belt
Conclusion
The 3rd Edition of IVF empowered youth leaders, volunteers, and social innovators through dialogue, networking, and volunteerism. IVF 2025 highlighted the impact of youth-driven action and global collaboration, with thanks to all participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to its success.