Arcadia High School senior Alia Holt is representing Arizona as one of only 50 young people selected to attend the 2024 Sister Cities International Youth Summit this August.

According to a press release, Holt’s selection was based on her “leadership, genuine interest in diplomacy and demonstrated commitment to fostering international understanding and cooperation.”

The youth diplomats will engage in hands-on activities, examine water as a global issue, explore the city of Washington, D.C. and participate in a Diplomacy Simulation led by the U.S. Department of State.

“This incredible opportunity includes creating a diplomacy simulation that entails an innovative approach to the resolvement of a global issue that is to be presented, by me, to the U.S. Department of State,” Holt said.

Scottsdale Sister Cities Association is sponsoring Holt for the conference and has provided her with a scholarship to help offset the cost of the event and transportation.

According to the press release, Holt demonstrated qualifications by having been a leader and participating in a student exchange trip to Kingston, Ontario, Canada last year. There she lived with a host family which gave her a personal cultural experience. While in Kingston, she met with city officials and engaged in several activities with local high school students. She has also hosted her host sister when in Scottsdale for the second half of the exchange. 

The International Youth Summit will be conducted in two parts, according to the release. At the start there will be training seminars and the Department of State-led Diplomacy Simulation. During the training days of the summit, students will attend professional development seminars, hear from guest speakers and learn about foreign policy and diplomacy.

On the last day of the Summit students will participate in a diplomacy situation which will allow for students to learn about international relations, problem solving and conflict resolution. 

“The training and development of American youth to participate in international diplomacy has become more obvious as the USA faces challenges in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa,” according to the press release. “(Holt) clearly grasps this need, when she noted in her acceptance letter, ‘Diplomacy is something that the world we live in needs more of.’”

For more information on Sister Cities and opportunities for student activities, visit scottsdalesistercities.org.