MDP’s Regional Leader Represents at the 2025 Vatican Youth Symposium

We were proud to nominate Max Genin, SAAC Regional Chair – North America, to represent the Global Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) Association at the 2025 Vatican Youth Symposium, hosted by SDSN Youth and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in Vatican City this past April.

Held under the theme “Voices of Change: Sparking Hope with Sustainable Solutions,” the Symposium convened 72 young leaders from 38 countries to explore the future of sustainable development, climate action, human rights, education, innovation, and social justice.  Max joined delegates from around the world—over half of them women and many from the Global South—in high-level intergenerational dialogue and workshops that emphasized youth-led change and a strong commitment to social equity.

“Being able to learn from, speak with, and now collaborate with so many brilliant minds from around the world was energizing and uplifting. I return home reinvigorated to continue advancing the SDGs and the fight for social equity—knowing that we are not alone, and that youth are truly at the helm of change.” — Max Genin

The Symposium highlighted core MDP values: global citizenship, systems thinking, and action-oriented leadership for sustainable development. We’re proud to see Max exemplify these on a global stage and return with renewed vision, networks, and momentum to advance the SDGs.

See Max’s feature here by SDSN Youth, Max’s question on human rights, and read about his experience here.  You can also watch the Symposium on the Vatican’s Casino Pio IV’s channel here and read about the program here.