Six years after the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF) was held in 2018, the second edition will once again be held in the picturesque and serene locale of Asha Centre, nestled in Gloucestershire, England, from May 24 to June 2, 2024. "This dynamic event, designed exclusively for 25 young Zoroastrian youth leaders, aims to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and visionary thinking. The primary purpose of the WZYLF is to nourish and support the next generation of Zoroastrian leaders, fostering their growth and providing a space for them to create meaningful partnerships with like-minded individuals,” notes their website wzylf.com.
Top and below: parti-cipants of the World Zoroastrian
Youth Leaders Forum at the Asha Centre in 2018
Referring to the success of the first WZYLF which was attended by 20 youth representing Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, UK and USA, Arzan Wadia, president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, commented, "The impact of previous WZYLF participants on the global Zoroastrian community has been nothing short of extraordinary. These young leaders, after their participation in the Forum, have embarked on remarkable endeavors, holding leadership positions in prestigious organizations, initiating impactful projects, hosting global conferences, and actively participating in crucial global events. Their remarkable journey post-Forum is a testament to the transformative power of this gathering and the potential it ignites within its participants.”
To empower them to become influential catalysts for change within their communities and beyond, at the forthcoming WZYLF "participants can anticipate an immersive and dynamic experience comprising engaging workshops, mentorship opportunities and interesting field trips to historically significant sites such as Oxford University, Ruskin Mill and Stratford-upon-Avon.”
The event is meant for individuals who have "demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and possess the potential to contribute to the positive future of Zoroastrianism. The event is by invitation only, and interested individuals will need to complete an application form that will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of established youth leaders. The application form seeks basic details of name, nationality, date of birth, ethnicity, profession, visa requirement, contact details. The applicant is also asked to specify whether he/she is a paid member of the local Zoroastrian association, the influence of Zoroastrianism on his/her life, details on past/present volunteering and community involvement, cite reasons to attend WZYLF, express hopes and expectations from the Forum, and mode of contribution to the Forum (whether through fundraising, photography, videography, leading an activity during the Forum, writing an event coverage report for a Zoroastrian publication, etc).
Since the WZYLF organizing committee will be offsetting 40% of the cost through fundraising, the subsidized rate each participant will have to pay for the nine days of the Forum is UKP 650 (approx USD 830, INR 68,928). The air fare and visa costs would be borne by the attendees. Those interested in further details may visit their website or email them at contact@wzylf.com.