The IYLC is aimed at university and college students, as well as recent graduates, who seek to strengthen their generic leadership skills and gain meaningful international experiences. The Conference welcomes individuals between 18 and 24, who demonstrate commitment to academic excellence, professional development and community involvement in a spirit of responsible and sustainable leadership.

The International Youth Leadership Conference is a unique model that harmoniously combines academic and socio-cultural components. With its busy 5-day schedule, the IYLC involves participants in diverse discussions and activities that directly and indirectly contribute to their academic and professional careers, as well as raise their intercultural, gender and environmental awareness.

Ethnic diversity of the participants in composition with their rich academic and professional backgrounds ensures that the issues are probed on various levels and crosscuts. Representing various countries with their unique cultures, political systems and foreign policies, participants involve themselves in an intercourse with the whole spectrum of interests and viewpoints represented. The multiplicity of the students is a valuable asset that ensures an unprejudiced and balanced debate on all the issues in the framework of the conference.

As a recognised academic course, the IYLC supplements and broadens the existing knowledge, as well as equips the participants with new facts and details, essential for a profound understanding of the issues at hand. Those participants, who major in subjects other than political science or international relations, gain a substantial foundation for building up the understanding of these subjects and further expand their practices in the field.

On numerous occasions the IYLC has served participants as a turning point, positively affecting their academic and professional careers through introducing them to areas and issues that they wouldn't experience otherwise. The conference tends to expand the participants' skills: it helps many students to step out of their comfort zones and explore new people and opportunities, thus strengthening their confidence and making them comfortable with new experiences and environments.

For many of the participants, the IYLC is the first opportunity to travel abroad and explore another country. The conference helps them to expand their horizons, experience the joy of travel and discover new cultures and places. Again, it's an opportunity for them to step out of their comfort zones and experience the world at large.

During the conference, many of the participants establish life-long friendships, which in a longer perspective may affect the decision making processes in their countries, promote international peace and non-violence, and determine outcomes of certain problems and crises.

The diversity of the participants inevitably contributes to intercultural communication and better understanding of different cultures. Consequently, the conference reinforces the values of tolerance, equality and democracy among participants.

Last but not least, the conference empowers its participants, and encourages them to work on making their communities safer and better places to live.

The International Youth Leadership Conference is a unique model that harmoniously combines academic and socio-cultural components. Placing a strong emphasis on complementarity of theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, it ensures a better understanding and comprehension of the issues at hand and exposes its participants to first-hand experiences that they wouldn't otherwise encounter. With its busy 5-day schedule, the IYLC involves participants in diverse discussions and activities that directly and indirectly contribute to their academic and professional careers, as well as raise their awareness of international conflicts and issues of global importance. Ethnic diversity of the participants in composition with their rich academic and professional backgrounds ensures that the issues are probed on various levels and crosscuts.

Representing various countries with their unique cultures, political systems and foreign policies, participants involve themselves in an intercourse with the whole spectrum of interests and viewpoints represented. The multiplicity of the students is a valuable asset that ensures an unprejudiced and balanced debate on all the issues in the framework of the conference.

Throughout the conference the participants are guided by the facilitators, who as former IYLC participants possess the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate the discussions and the activities of the conference. Being peers to the participants, they can easier identify the needs, choose better approaches and adjust to working moods and behavioral patterns of the participants, thus positively affecting the group dynamics and the overall success of the conference. During the IYLC, participants have an amazing networking opportunity: with all 5 continents represented they can build contacts with fellow students thus establishing relationships potentially useful in their studies and jobs. This aspect comprises a long-term effect of the conference that directly links to the sustainability of the project. Besides, the participants meet and communicate with high-ranking governmental officials, diplomats, business people, who furnish them with useful tips and advices, as well as share their professional experiences.

This is a draft schedule. Subject to changes.

Thursday, January 6th
Arrival and Welcome

12:00 - 15:30 Hotel Check-In

15:30 - 18:30 Conference Registration

19:00 - 21:00 Opening Ceremonies
* Dinner
* Key-note Speech
* Welcoming Addresses

21:00 - 22:30 First Group Meeting
* Introduction to the Conference
* Getting to know everybody

Friday, January 7th
Diplomacy & International Security Day

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00 Planning, Development and Strategy Session - UN Security Council
* Introduction and Preparation
* Group Debate

11:00 - 13:00 Simulation - UN Security Council

13:00 - 14:00 Lunch

14:00 Departure for Site Visits

14:30 - 16:00 Embassy Visits

16:30 - 18:00 Visit to the Senate

18:30 - 19:30 Dinner

20:00 - 22:00 Planning, Development and Strategy Session - International Criminal Court
* Introduction and Preparation
* Group Debate: International Justice

Saturday, January 8th
Leadership Day

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast

9:30 - 11:00 Panel Discussion: Responsible Leadership

11:00 - 12:00 Presentation: Youth Participation

12:00 - 13:00 Lunch

13:00 - 14:00 Panel Discussion: Leadership & Gender Equity

15:00 - 16:00 Reception with Partners, Sponsors, Speakers and Diplomats

17:00 - 20:00 Planning, Development and Strategy Session - International Criminal Court
* Final Preparations

20:00 - 21:00 Dinner

21:00 Culture Night

Sunday, January 9th
Law and Legislation Day

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00 Simulation - International Criminal Court

11:00 - 12:00 Regional Presentations

12:00 - 14:00 Planning, Development and Strategy Session - European Parliament
* Introduction and Preparation
* Group Discussion: Political Forces

14:00 - 15:00 Lunch

15:00 - 17:00 Planning, Development and Strategy Session - European Parliament
* Party Caucuses
* Amendment Writing
* Campaign Preparation

17:00 - 21:00 Simulation - Lobbying and Campaigning

18:00 - 19:00 Dinner

21:00 - 22:30 Simulation - Committee Hearings

Monday, January 10th
Plenary Day

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00 Planning, Development and Strategy Session - European Parliament
* Revision of Amendments
* Final Preparations

11:00 - 12:00 Lunch

13:00 - 15:30 Model Parliament Proceedings

16:00 - 20:00 Time to see more of Prague's beauty
Walking Tour of Prague (optional)

20:00 - 20:30 Final Group Session
* Assessments and Evaluations

21:00 Closing Ceremonies and Gala Dinner
Farewell Party with DJ

Tuesday, January 11th
Goodbye and Farewell

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast

10:00 - 11:00 Presentation: IYLC Alumni & International Youth Leadership Network

12:00 Check-out time

13:00 Departure

The IYLC is a recognised academic programme for college and university students majoring mainly in political science, international relations, mass media and law. The IYLC is an intensive 5-day programme that equips participants with critical skills and knowledge through dialectical methods, as well as academic, practical and cultural activities.

The structure of the IYLC course is as follows:
      In-Class Work: 25 hrs
      Practical Activities: 20 hrs
      Pre-Conference Research: 20 hrs

In-Class Work

The in-class activities during the IYLC are designed in a form of simulations and follow the following pattern:
- The objectives of the simulation are identified and set
- The simulation roles are outlined and distributed
- The agenda for the simulation is set
- The case for the simulation is examined
- The proceedings for the simulation are laid out
- The simulation is carried out

The simulations during the IYLC reproduce the following international organisations and their functions:
- United Nations Security Council Simulation:
the participants imitate the Emergency Meeting of the UN Security Council to tackle an urgent
matter of threat to international security;

- International Criminal Court Simulation:
the participants take part in a mock trial that is taking place in the ICC pre-trial chamber to
investigate whether there is sufficient evidence and jurisdiction to proceed with the trial;

- European Parliament Simulation:
the participants assume a position in a political party to introduce amendments to a European
Directive.

Practical Activities

The practical activities during the IYLC include:
- Speeches
- Site visits
- Panel discussions
- Cultural activities

Speeches by leading European and Czech professionals touch upon the current state of world leadership and the complexity of contemporary global challenges. These speeches equip the participants with a different perspective on issues facing the humanity today and offer insights into these issues as seen by the experts in the field.

Visits to foreign embassies and government agencies of the Czech Republic offer an opportunity to meet diplomats, government officials and politicians and to expose the participants to the “reality” of these vocations. These visits provide for useful first-hand experiences, contributing to a better understanding of the careers chosen by the participants.

Panel discussions engage the participants in a dialogue with various professionals, who while sharing their experiences and opinions, contribute to a better understanding of the issues at hand, including Responsible Leadership, Leadership and Gender, and Mass Media in Conflicts.

Cultural activities are designed to illustrate the diversity of our world and to promote better understanding of cultures and traditions. These activities expose participants to the cultural heritage of various peoples that they might not have otherwise experienced.

Pre-Conference Research

The research is carried out by the participants in two stages:
- Background research is integral in composing the application essays. This encompasses two
large subject areas: UN Global Compact and WFUNA Millennium Project;
- Pre-conference reading is prerequisite for a successful completion of the course. This includes
the statutory documents of the simulated organisations, as well as analytical articles and reports on
the issues at hand.

Subject Areas

International Security & Global Politics: In this module, the IYLC will explore the role of the United Nations Security Council in eliminating the threats to international security posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy,
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),
- nuclear safeguard systems, including International Atomic Energy Agency,
- nuclear-weapon states, non-nuclear weapon states, and Nuclear-Weapon-Free zones,
- effectiveness of existing models in combating threats to international security stemmed from non-
compliance to international non-proliferation treaties.

Environmental Security & Sustainability: In this module, the IYLC will touch upon critical environmental issues of concern to global community. In particular, it will address the existing practical and legislative schemes for combating, reducing and preventing the consequences of climate change. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- economic stability vs. environmental sustainability,
- priorities of the European environmental agenda,
- greenhouse gas emission trading,
- green politics and green economy,
- challenges in adopting and enforcing environmental policies.

International Relations & Diplomacy: In this module, the IYLC will address the complexity of contemporary international relations on a changing geopolitical arena. It will explore the challenges facing diplomats in the present-day framework, where national interests contradict with international priorities and commitments. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- differences between the theory and practice of diplomacy and diplomatic service,
- priorities and challenges of present-day diplomacy,
- achievements and failures of diplomacy in maintaining peace and security,
- role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

International Justice: In this module, the IYLC will review the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the case of Germain Katanga on trial at the International Criminal Court. It will address the intricacies of ensuring world-wide justice employing globalized concepts of law, fairness and human rights. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- ad hoc and institutionalised international tribunals and courts,
- legal understanding of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide,
- “universality” of human rights,
- globalization of law and justice, and international jurisdiction,
- procedures of international justice.

Responsible Leadership: In this module, the IYLC will address the ethical principles of leadership in various settings, including business, politics, public administration and non-governmental sector. It will attempt to demonstrate the difficulties in balancing social and environmental responsibility with economic needs and requirements. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- definition and practice of responsible leadership,
- socially responsible, sustainable and ethical leadership,
- economics of responsibility,
- responsibility criteria in business, government and environment.

IYLC places a strong emphasis on advancing generic skills in 6 main categories:

- Adaptability
- Communication
- Personal Development
- Group Effectiveness
- Influencing
- Personal Qualities

The effects of the IYLC on the advancement of these skills is illustrated below. The charts are based on the findings of an anonymous self-assessment survey conducted amongst 18th IYLC participants in July 2009.

The IYLC works on three key levels:

1) Interpersonal Dynamics of the group developing a group identity, learning to work with a
diverse and international group of people.

2) Individual Development - challenging ideas, pervious conceptions, engaging with the realities of
others, developing skills of leadership, communication, expression of arguments, cultural intelligence.

3) Intellectual Development - a pre-requisite of being able to work in the simulations is being able
to hold an unwavering understanding of the workings and aims of these organisations. The simulation aims to add to that knowledge and test it in various situations whilst developing key transferable leadership skills.

To meet the academic credit conditions, the IYLC participants are required to complete 20 hours of pre-conference individual research. The following materials will acquaint the IYLC participants with the topics of the simulations and will ensure that the participants are equally knowledgable about the questions in point.

Sample reading list. Subject to change. 

UN Security Council: Non-Proliferation & Disarmament 
1. BBC: UNSC Profile - Link
2. NPT Tutorial - Link
3. NTI. Country Overviews: Iran - Link

International Criminal Court: Democractic Republic of Congo, Germain Katanga 
1. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court - Link
2. Trial Watch - Profile of Germain Katanga - Link

European Parliament: Renewable Energy 
1. European Parliament: An Overview (incl. Organisation; Powers; Political Role) - Link
2. Co-Decision Guide - Link
3. Proposal for a Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources - Link

Application Essays
1. United Nations Global Compact - Link 
2. United Nations Security Council Resolutions - Link
3. WFUNA Global Millenium Campaign - Link

Extra Pre-Conference Research
1. United Nations Security Council - Link
2. International Criminal Court - Link
3. European Parliament - Link

The speakers of the 21st IYLC are to be announced soon.

Czech Airlines (CSA) is the official carrier for the International Youth Leadership Conference and it offers connections via Prague to an entire network of major destinations worldwide.

As the official carrier, it offers all IYLC attendees a discount on tickets: 10% in Economy Class and 15% in Business Class. The discounts can be claimed on tickets to be flown within one week prior to the event and one week after the event, and are available for registered participants with one accompanying person. The discounts apply even for flights with codes OK 3000 - 5999, which are operated by our SkyTeam alliance partners (Aeroflot, Aero Mexico, Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, Delta, Korean Air, and NWA).

If you are a member of Czech Airlines' frequent flyer programme, OK Plus, you will earn miles for your account for these flights. To purchase the ticket on-line, click HERE (Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get the event code for the 20th IYLC.)

If you cannot purchase a ticket on-line, please contact one of CSA sales points - their addresses can be found at www.czechairlines.com - or call the CSA Contact Centre at +420 239 007 007. For purchasing a ticket at a CSA sales point, you will need the official letter of invitation, or a document confirming payment of the registration fee, or the event code. (If you want to become a member of the Czech Airlines' frequent flyer programme OK Plus, and earn points immediately, register HERE)

Mary's Agency is the Official Travel & Tourist Services provider of the IYLC. It offers a wide range of accommodation in hotels, hostels, pensions or apartments in Prague city center. Special rates and discounts are available to IYLC participants. To learn more, visit www.marys.cz.

Mary's Travel & Tourist Services located in the centre of Prague has been on the market of incoming travel agencies since 1991. The basic product is accommodation in all categories within Prague and Czech Republic as well as other services connected to the incoming travel industry. In 2002these services were extended to Hungary and Slovakia.

Our multi-lingual, professional and friendly staffis ready to answer any of your questions 12 hours a day, even on weekends.

Accommodation service - accommodation in comfortable, fully furnished private apartments located in the most romantic parts of central Prague within walking distance from the major sights. Our large database also includes hotels, hostels, pensions in and around the centre in all categories to meet any requirements and budgets of large groups or individual travelers.

Transfers - airport / railway station transfers upon arrival or departure as well as during the stay to any destination within the Czech Republic according to individual requirements.

City tours, trips, cruises - guided tours throughout Prague in 22 foreign languages either walking or by bus / mini-van, boat cruises, day trips to other historical Czech towns such as Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora, Karlstejn, etc. Active holiday programs.

Tickets to cultural events - booking tickets to concerts, theaters, any other cultural performances in advance. Providing information on schedules.

Restaurants, clubs, leisure recommendations or reservations - most popular and famous restaurants as well as places unknown for tourists, all according to the clients' wish and budget.

Outgoing services - tailor-made packages in Hungary and Slovakia upon request.

We are members of the Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agencies of the Czech Republic (AČCKA). Our agency is recommended by the guide-books Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Time-Out, Petit Fute and Prague in your pocket, Sormenten Praga, Sormenten Csehorszag .

Over 19 years of experience · reliable services 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year · discounts all year · online reservation&payment possibility · full travel service provided · no hidden fees · 97% of our former clients would use our services again