Hartford, CT - July 10, 2025 - The UU Worldwide Youth Network (UUWYN), https://uuwyn.org/ an emerging initiative focused on international youth exchange and interfaith engagement, has announced new efforts to broaden its presence in Asia and other international regions. The announcement follows the group’s recent participation in the 2025 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), held in Baltimore, Maryland.

Founded with the aim of fostering global connections among all of Unitarian Universalist youth and young adults, UUWYN is developing programming that includes cultural exchanges, youth conferences, and service-learning opportunities. According to its website, the organization is working to build international partnerships and strengthen interfaith understanding through youth-led collaboration.

“Our involvement in the General Assembly allowed us to connect with many like-minded individuals and organizations interested in global engagement,” said Shahan Islam, founder of UUWYN and Director of Religious Education at The Unitarian Society of Hartford. “As a result, we are expanding conversations with individuals and groups in South Asia and Europe to support youth leadership and cross-cultural experiences.”

In conjunction with these efforts, UUWYN has welcomed new members to its advisory group, including Bruce Knotts, a former U.S. diplomat and former Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO), and Rumni Saha, a longtime educator and interfaith chaplain based in Massachusetts. Both individuals bring experience in international advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith collaboration.

UUWYN’s advisory group UUWYN Advisory Group – UUWYN now includes members from North America, Europe, and South Asia. Among them are Reverend Norbert Nagy of the Hungarian Unitarian Church, Finn Prem of the German Unitarian youth organization (BeuJ), and Alyssa McDonald of Hartford, Connecticut. The group is currently in the early planning stages for an interfaith youth conference anticipated to take place in Transylvania in mid-2026.

“Our advisory team represents a blend of experience and emerging leadership,” said Islam. “The goal is to provide youth with opportunities to engage across borders and share values rooted in inclusion, service, and community.”

While UUWYN remains in its formative years, its leadership emphasizes the importance of international cooperation among Unitarian Universalist communities and beyond. As global engagement becomes an increasing priority within the faith, initiatives like UUWYN are seeking to play a supportive role in shaping future connections.

For media inquiries please contact UU World Youth Network

Tel: 347-735-3599

Email: shahan@uuwyn.org

Media Contact
Company Name: UU Worldwide Youth Network
Email: Send Email
Address:50 Bloomfield Avenue
City: Hartford
State: CT 06105
Country: United States
Website: https://uuwyn.org/