The 2024 Sikh Summit & Advocacy and Humanitarian Aid Academy
On July 12th, 2024, UNITED SIKHS successfully concluded its 13th Annual Sikh Summit and Advocacy and Humanitarian Aid Academy (AHAA). The 4-day long event was attended by Local, State and Federal officials, and by Sikh youth across the country. The Summit also marks the observance of the World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) by the United Nations annually on July 15th.
Participants on the last day of this year’s Sikh Summit and Advocacy and Humanitarian Aid Academy (AHAA)
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, WYSD aims to recognize the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and addressing global challenges.
Likewise since 2012, UNITED SIKHS has organized the Annual Sikh Summit that espouses the engagement of Sikh Community members worldwide, with legislators, NGOs and government officials to discuss crucial Sikh civil and human rights issues. The summit provides a rigorous training program equipping participants with skills, resources and knowledge to help transform their passion into lasting commitments.
This year’s theme for the WYSD is “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”. It underscores the critical role young people play in peace building and conflict resolution efforts. The 2024 Sikh Summit corroborates this theme with an agenda focused on Sikh religious liberty, Transnational Repression, and Sikhs’ right to live without fear.
UNITED SIKHS has long focused on the development of Youth Skills within the Sikh Community. Our Empower #HerChoice program through Project Kirti embodies the vision of creating self-sufficient individuals and communities to break the cycle of poverty.
Baljit Kaur from Jalandhar got free online coaching sessions for UPSC preparation
Project beneficiaries who received sewing machines, vocational training, laptops and free online coaching sessions for academic and civil service examinations have given touching testimonies of the impact that has had on their lives.
Additionally, concerted initiatives have also led to the successful provision of Panjabi and Gurmat classes to 40 young children at Guru Angad Dev Ji Khalsa Dharmic School in Peshawar, Pakistan, a community that can easily get disconnected with their Sikh roots for the lack of resources.
Young students in Peshawar, Pakistan, engaged in Gurmat and Panjabi classes
UNITED SIKHS also assists talented and hardworking youth in the field of sports, providing them with full sets of jerseys encouraging them to continue with their passion and honor in representing their community and village.
In promoting global understanding and interfaith dialogue, the UNITED SIKHS Annual Sikh Summit steers cooperation between religious and cultural communities, emphasizing Sikh principles of equality, tolerance, and social justice. In line with this, the recently concluded Summit emphasized the importance of defending human dignity with a Sikh worldview, dedicating subjects on hate crimes, mental health, discrimination, intergenerational leadership and human trafficking.
Join us as we march towards strengthening a generation of peace builders and human rights advocates, to fulfill the mission of fighting for our rights.
