As part of the global observance of Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW), Global Youth Philanthropy (GYP) successfully hosted its 2026 seminar, “Youth Storytelling for Humanitarian Impact: Journalism, Film, and Digital Media.” Marking its third consecutive year contributing to HNPW, GYP brought together a diverse panel of international speakers and student leaders to explore how youth-driven storytelling can inform, connect, and inspire humanitarian action worldwide.
The session, hosted by GYP student leaders David Wang and Molin Wang, featured five distinguished guest speakers joining from across multiple time zones, alongside student presenters from GYP’s global network. The seminar highlighted the growing role of youth in humanitarian journalism and media, emphasizing the power of authentic storytelling grounded in lived experience and community perspectives.
Among the featured speakers, Ali Latifi, an editor at The New Humanitarian, delivered compelling insights shaped by his experience reporting across regions including Afghanistan, the United States, and Europe. Drawing from his background growing up between Kabul and California, Latifi emphasized the importance of reporting from within communities rather than as outsiders. He underscored that youth journalists bring fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to inclusion, particularly in an era where digital platforms amplify diverse voices. He also highlighted the need to seek multiple perspectives and uncover shared human experiences—what he described as a “universal truth”—to create meaningful and responsible journalism.
Other speakers further expanded on the theme of storytelling as a catalyst for change. George Nalo addressed the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, emphasizing that personal narratives from affected individuals can often communicate urgency and empathy more effectively than statistics alone. Kito Mahania spoke about the unique role of artists and storytellers in shaping public understanding and driving long-term social change, complementing the immediate work of humanitarian responders. Nicholas Natalio introduced participants to documentary filmmaking techniques, encouraging young creators to tell stories “with an amateur heart”—authentically, compassionately, and in the moment.
A particularly inspiring highlight came from Cole Alan, a high school filmmaker and GYP member, who shared his award-winning documentary following a recovering addict at his uncle’s clinic. Originally created as a school project, the film has since been screened at more than 40 international festivals, demonstrating the real-world impact youth storytellers can achieve.
The seminar also featured presentations from five GYP student researchers, who explored how youth journalism can evolve into meaningful action through initiatives such as expanding student clubs and GYP’s digital media platforms. They emphasized the ethical responsibility of storytellers to work with communities rather than simply reporting about them, reinforcing the importance of empathy, accuracy, and multiple perspectives in humanitarian narratives.
Overall, the session reflected GYP’s growing leadership in youth engagement within the humanitarian sector. By combining professional expertise with student-led innovation, the seminar created a dynamic and inclusive dialogue that resonated with participants worldwide. As GYP continues to expand its global network, its contributions to HNPW highlight the organization’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers to drive awareness, understanding, and action in addressing global challenges.