The GYF20 was opened and closed with high-level plenary sessions focusing on the importance of youth and cooperative entrepreneurship. These sessions brought together participants and important keynote speakers from the Malaysian government, European Institutions, the International Labour Organization (ILO) as well as representatives from youth organizations and the cooperative movement.

The GYF20 presented 10 blocks of around 12 parallel cross-cutting sessions each. Each session was specifically designed to help young entrepreneurs and professionals improve their knowledge and skills through interactive workshops, brainstorming, Q&A and “how-to” sessions.

Those training sessions were structured around the 10 following topics: IT and social media; social issues; environmental issues; Sustainable Development Goals; business models; methodologies (Training of Trainers, storytelling); law; finance; leadership, management, and HR; and networking.

During the 4 days event, participants had access to different meeting spaces through the venue where they had the opportunity to share ideas, work on possible partnerships, exchange impressions, network, etc., with their fellow colleagues. Some spaces were dedicated specially to informal discussions in a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Participants had access to different spaces through the venue where they had the opportunity to share ideas, work on possible partnerships, exchange impressions, and discuss with their peers. This was the perfect occasion to create bonds between participants and strengthen the GYF20 community.

The area also included a #coops4dev🌏 stand showcasing successful projects and ground-breaking reports on youth entrepreneurship and incentives from all around the world.

The host, Angkasa, put together different outdoor activities for participants to learn from and about the cooperative movement in Malaysia, as well as about Sarawak.

For instance, an optional visit tour will took place on the 7th of February 2020. Participants visited a Coop School to learn about the Malaysian cooperative movement and discover local cooperatives, and get immersed into the local culture of various ethnic groups at Sarawak Cultural Village.

Traditional games, instruments, dishes, dances, and much more: it was a day full of cultural discoveries and an amazing way to conclude their enriching stay in Sarawak!