Voices of Youth Int. Forum
VYIF Timeline
From its early beginnings as a youth-led initiative, VYIF has continued to grow through meaningful programs, monthly activities, and student-led projects. Ideas in motion. Voices in dialogue. Challenges that inspire young minds to think deeper, speak with purpose, and see beyond the obvious.
The Timeline Below is organized by month:
2026.02
2026.03
2026.04
2026.05
2026.06
2026.07
2026.08
Feb’ 26 – VVIF Kicked Off: Roundtable Discussion
VYIF kicked off its first online event with a fun icebreaker, “Two Truths and a Lie,” giving participants a chance to get to know one another and connect. We then introduced the VYM digital magazine and invited members to share their ideas and suggestions for future issues. The session continued with an engaging Round Table discussion, exploring questions such as “Which subjects should schools never remove?” and “If you could have one superpower, what would it be?”Through open discussion and creative thinking, participants shared different perspectives, practiced communication skills, and got to know each other beyond the classroom.


Mar’ 26 – Online VYIF Role-play Debate I
In March, VYIF hosted a lively Role-Play Debate on the topic, “Does social media do more harm than good to students?” Participants took on different perspectives, with one side represented by a Student, Parent, Expert, and Class Teacher, and the other by a Student, Content Creator, Education Technology Specialist, and Technology Company Director. After a 1-minute opening statement, teams engaged in a 30-minute crossfire, followed by a 1-minute closing statement. While participants argued from different perspectives, the discussion ultimately led to a shared conclusion: social media can be beneficial when used in moderation and within age-appropriate boundaries.

Apr’ 26 – Online VYM Mock Trial 1
In April, VYIF hosted an engaging Mock Trial, “VYM Coffee Shop Review Controversy,” where participants stepped into the roles of lawyers, a customer, café owner, witnesses, jury members, and judge. The case centered on a negative online review that the café owner claimed had unfairly damaged the business’s reputation. Through opening arguments, witness testimony, cross-examination, and jury deliberation, students examined the balance between freedom of expression and responsibility in the digital age. In the end, the jury ruled in favor of the café owner, reflecting the participants’ view that while people should have the freedom to express their opinions online, freedom of speech also comes with responsibility for the impact of our words.
Click the image below to watch the YouTube video:

May’ 26 – Entrepreneurship Challenge
In May, VYIF hosted an exciting Mini Entrepreneurship Challenge, bringing together young innovators to pitch their business ideas to a panel of student “executives.” Jessie presented a Smart Dog Tracking Collar, LanLan proposed a Harry Potter-themed Jungle Flight Park, Sophia Chen introduced an e-bike delivery service, and Diana pitched a plan to bring traditional Jianbing to the global market. Each participant presented their market research, competitive advantages, business model, and projected profitability, followed by a structured Q&A with CEO Amy, CFO Xana, CMO Tianna, and CIO Aimee. After evaluating the proposals from different business perspectives, the judges selected Jessie’s Smart Dog Tracking Collar for its practical value and strong business potential, earning the largest investment. More than a competition, the challenge gave students hands-on experience in pitching, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Click the image below to watch the YouTube video:

Jun’ 26 – Online VYM Role-play Debate II
In June, VYIF continued its Role-Play Debate series with a thought-provoking discussion on “In the Age of AI, Should We Accelerate AI Development or Put People First?” Participants stepped into different roles to explore the opportunities and challenges of AI from multiple perspectives. Diana, as a technology company CEO, supported rapid AI-driven innovation, while Amy, portraying a laid-off employee, raised concerns about jobs and social stability. Lucy, playing AI itself, highlighted its potential benefits, while Jessie, an AI safety expert, questioned the ethical risks and long-term consequences. Xana and Ru Xin, representing a student and a parent, weighed both sides and considered how AI development could be balanced with human well-being and social responsibility. The debate encouraged students to look beyond their own opinions, understand different perspectives, and think critically about the role AI should play in our future.
Click the image below to watch the YouTube video:

Jul’ 26 – VYM Game Night
In July, VYIF hosted a fun-filled Game Night, bringing members together for an evening of laughter, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Participants played Werewolf and Find the Imposter, putting their observation, reasoning, and communication skills to the test. By carefully analyzing clues, conversations, and each other’s reactions, the group successfully identified all the Werewolves and Undercover players. It was a relaxed and enjoyable evening that brought everyone closer while sharpening their critical thinking skills.in the VYM network.


Aug’ 26 – VYIF Model UN
In August, VYIF hosted a Mini Model United Nations (MUN) exploring the question, “What Should Students Learn for the Future?” Seven young delegates represented Canada, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Australia, and India, examining education from different national perspectives. Through opening statements, open debate, alliance-building, negotiation, and voting, delegates worked to identify the courses they believed would best prepare students for the future. In the final resolution, AI & Technology, STEM & Future Science, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Climate & Sustainability, and Communication & Public Speaking were successfully adopted. More than an introduction to MUN, the activity gave students an opportunity to speak up, listen to different perspectives, cooperate, negotiate, and compromise—while giving young people a voice in shaping the future of education.
Click the image below to watch the YouTube video:


