Four things you need to know about youth and SDGs

Youth are a major force for sustainable development and key agents for social change, economic growth and technological innovation. From calling for urgent climate action to tackling inequalities and gender biases, young people are driving the Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forward. On 7-8 April, they will take the stage at the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum.

1. Youth are champions of climate action

Young people play a key role in tackling climate change. They constitute the majority of the population in many countries and have an increasingly strong environmental awareness. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, young people took their climate activism online, voicing their belief that preserving our planet is a precondition for societies to progress and economies to thrive.

2. Youth are advocates for inclusive societies

Yearning for a world where opportunities are equally distributed, young people are taking action for peaceful, just and inclusive societies. They are contributing to an inclusive society during the COVID-19 as volunteers and healthcare workers, filling the gaps in their communities’ health systems. Youth organizations bring the needs of the most vulnerable to the attention of decision-makers and run campaigns about COVID-19 prevention.

3. Youth fight hunger

The slowdown in economic activity during COVID-19 has pushed tens of millions into extreme poverty. Youth have stepped up and are contributing to their communities by engaging in agriculture and rural development, helping to eradicate hunger. Their work is not only vital for the sustainability of food systems, but it also helps to address youth unemployment, poverty and migration.

4. Youth for good health and wellbeing

Young people working in the health sector are helping their communities by speaking out for – and in some cases, providing – effective, equitable care and emergency health response. They also use their expertise and time to assist people with mental health issues, improve access to lifesaving testing, conduct scientific research and help develop adequate technology.

Every year, young leaders from around the world contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda through sharing their collective ideas, solutions and innovations at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, which is commemorating its 10th Anniversary this year.

Be a part of the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2021. Learn more here.