Montreal, Canada, the 4th of July, 2020 – AIESEC’s biggest annual event, set to start online and bring together 13 000 young members of the organization from across 110+ countries and territories. 

Solution Orientation in Times of Crisis

The biggest annual conference for the members, alumni, and partners of AIESEC was set to take place this year in Agra, India, between the 9th and the 17th of July in Agra, India. 

In the light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the AIESEC International team decided to move all global and regional physical events set to happen in 2020, online. 

The 72nd annual International Congress is set to start on the 5th of July and unfold virtually over eight days until the 12th of July. 

Turning a Challenge into an Opportunity 

After over one year of preparation by the AIESEC team in India, the selected host for this year’s annual gathering, ready to welcome some 800 AIESEC leaders to Agra, the unexpected COVID-19 outbreak forced the AIESEC International team to change the course of action and in less than two months move the entire conference online. 

The present challenge has proven to be an opportunity in disguise, and the exclusive conference available to an approximate number of 800 delegates yearly has been opened up to the entire membership and alumni network of the organization. One day before it is set to start, International Congress will now welcome 13 000 registered delegates from over 110 countries and territories – making the event the largest, most inclusive, and accessible International Congress of AIESEC in its 72 years of history. 

Collaborations in The New Normal 

While all organizations and businesses are forced to adapt to the new normal, the AIESEC International team wants to extend its appreciation to the global partners: Tata Consultancy Services – main sponsor of the event, PwC, DP DHL Group, Mindvalley, Nokia, Asian Development Bank and, OECD and JCI (Junior Chamber International).

They have shown tremendous understanding and flexibility to the changing context and decided to jump to the occasion and support AIESEC in delivering this year’s edition of the organization’s most awaited internal event. 

About AIESEC:

AIESEC is a global platform for young people to develop their leadership potential through international internships and volunteer opportunities. Since AIESEC was founded in 1948, the organization has engaged and developed over 1,000,000 young people globally through international placements and membership opportunities. AIESEC is a youth-run, non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), affiliated with the UN DPI, member of ICMYO, and is recognized by UNESCO.

About the International Congress: 

The International Congress is the annual convening of AIESEC and its member countries and territories aimed at offering an opportunity to connect with the rest of the world and to feel a part of a global youth leadership movement, creating a positive change in this world. The Congress also aims to present and reflect on the impact of AIESEC’s activities in the previous years and develop strategies and collaboration plans for upcoming years. Earlier editions of the Congress include Poland (1996), USA (1997), Sweden & Finland (1998), South Africa (1999), UK (2000), Switzerland (2001), Canada (2002), India (2015), Poland (2016), Colombia (2017), Egypt (2018) and India (2019).

For more information, please contact:

Rares Man, Communications Responsible, AIESEC International raresm@ai.aiesec.org 

Upasana Ray, Communications Responsible, International Congress 2020 upasana.ray@aiesec.in