Hundreds of international delegates will flock to Scotland next week for the first Civicus youth assembly.

Young people from 66 countries will attend the event in Glasgow to debate global issues and the scope for change.

Held at the SECC on May 22 and 23, and supported by Oxfam, the youth assembly will be followed by the world assembly, billed as "an opportunity for civil society organisations to engage with governments and inter-governmental organisations, and to reflect on the state of civil society around the world".

The world assembly is a long-standing annual event, but this is the first youth assembly. Issues up for discussion include dealing with the aftermath of civil strife and ecological foot printing.

Rajiv Joshi, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament and co-organiser of the event, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to come together, share ideas and interests, promote their opinions and learn how to participate in debate concerning worldwide issues."

Leila Mucarsel, a delegate from Argentina, said: "The youth activists from all around the world have been asking for an event like this for a long time, and after a period of hard work and planning it has finally become a reality."

Iranian delegate Mostafa Nejati added: "We are all responsible to the world and human beings, and should be accountable to future generations."