From April 25 to 27, thousands of youth leaders from around the world are ready to gather at the Economic and Social Council 2023 (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. In person and online, they are offering solutions, suggestions and initiatives, sharing their ideas to make sure a sustainable future is possible for everyone.
The three-day event focuses on accelerating recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development in.
“This year, the ECOSOC Youth Forum opens against a backdrop of complex global issues, including escalating geopolitical tensions, an unrelenting climate crisis, rising poverty, a push back on human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a gradual but uneven recovery from the epidemic.” said Jayathma WickramanayakeUN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Youth.
“Now, more than ever, it is vital that we put the voices, expertise and innovative ideas of our youth front and center in our efforts to get the world back on track to achieve the SDGs. by 2030.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres attends the Youth and Innovation Forum during the 2022 UN Ocean Conference in Portugal.
The main platform for the voices of young people
The Youth Forum is a key platform for young people to contribute to policy discussions at the United Nations, where they can voice their opinions, concerns and focus on their innovative solutions to challenges facing the world.
Throughout the Forum, youth-led and youth-focused organizations have the opportunity to engage with Member States, policymakers and key actors to promote youth development. youth, address the challenges they face, and share their contributions to realizing the youth-specific goals in the SDGs.
The first forum in 2012, originally aimed to raise awareness about high youth unemployment and explore solutions for better job opportunities. The success of the Forum and high demand for the platform led to its turning into an annual gathering.
The United Nations says the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
program 2023
The program 2023 focusing on issues that matter to young people and also tracking progress towards the SDGs, providing a unique opportunity to really engage young people on issues that matter to them.
Youth ideas, solutions and innovations will not only contribute to policy discussions, but will also complement other key intergovernmental meetings to ensure the participation of youth voices across the world. all field.
Towards COVID-19 recovery
Young people are particularly vulnerable to the long-term socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, facing major disruptions to education, training and employment.
Despite these obstacles, young people have shown resilience and demonstrated that they are key players in shaping a more equitable and resilient future.
In that topic, the Forum will review progress in implementing the main SDGs on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and partnership for the sake (SDG 17).
New generation perspective
The event will feature talented young speakers, high-level Government representatives, regional and multilateral organizations, and youth-led organizations from all regions. The event will feature plenary sessions, interactive and regional discussions, and dozens of side events that will take place online and in person.
During the gathering, young people will also share their innovative suggestions and ideas. The outcome of the Forum will be an informal summary document of the ECOSOC President’s proceedings and a President’s Statement.
Schoolchildren in Tanzania holding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cards.
Shaping decisions and policies
Their ideas will be put into preparation for SDG . Summitto be held in September, to identify the ambitious actions needed to achieve Agenda 2030.
lead toSummit of the future In September 2024, the United Nations Secretary-General will issue a series of policy briefs to provide more detail on selected proposals contained inOur Common Agenda. general secretary release on wednesday tuesday briefIn this series, focus on meaningful participation of young people in policy-making and decision-making.
The summary highlights the Secretary-General’s key recommendations to ensure more meaningful, diverse and effective youth participation in intergovernmental decision-making processes at all levels.
Group photo collage of 17 Young Leaders for Sustainable Development Goals 2022.
Young Leaders for SDGs
Young people from all over the world will attend the ECOSOC Youth Forum, including the new group of Young Leaders for SDGs. Every two years, this flagship initiative recognizes 17 young change makers who are leading efforts to combat the world’s most pressing problems, and whose leadership is catalyzing the achievement of be the SDGs.
“The Young Leaders for the SDGs of 2022 represent an incredibly diverse, intersecting, and inspirational group of young people who reflect the best of global youth activism and advocacy as they grow challenge the status quo and create a better world for all,” said the UN Youth Envoy.
From fashion to climate, youth leaders represent every region of the world and help young people around the world support the Goals.
