Young people: world shapers and leaders of the future

There are no better forecasters of resilience in the world than young people, who have been calling attention to critical sustainable development issues. They have become experts on adapting to an increasingly challenging global landscape, filled with images of conflicts, climate crisis impacts, and deepening inequalities. They experience the results of past unsustainable practices, facing present consequences and racing against the clock to curb a rising tide.

Yet we don’t need to look far to see that young people are solving some of the biggest problems of our time. Their voices are calling for drastic climate action, spearheading the transition to a greener world. They are creating innovative solutions to overcome inequality, promote health access, improve social protection and the quality of work opportunities, as well as achieve food security. And they are advocating for their inclusion in decision-making, especially those who are underrepresented.

These perspectives will come together at the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York, the largest UN gathering of young people, taking place from 16 to 18 April. Acting on the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions,” young people from around the world will share their vision for the future and a roadmap to achieve the ambitious targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They’ll also contribute their ideas and recommendations in preparation for the Summit of the Future, to be held under the auspices of the UN General Assembly, in September 2024.

As advocates of today and champions of tomorrow, young people are striving to secure a more inclusive, just and sustainable future.

For more information: 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum