More than a thousand young leaders, innovators, and advocates from around the world convened on 14-16 April at the?—the United Nations’ largest annual youth gathering in New York—to advance transformative solutions for?the Sustainable Development Goals. Serving as a powerful platform for youth voices, the Forum concluded?with renewed commitments to drive action on climate change, inequality, and innovation.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the?SDG Media Zone?provided an opportunity for youth leaders to share ?innovative ideas for building a more sustainable world, spanning issues from mental health and climate action to employment, gender equality, and peacebuilding.

Videos: /en/sdgmediazone/ecosoc-youth-forum/programme
Photos:

Why Youth Mental Health Matters

Speakers emphasized that mental health is foundational to young people’s ability to thrive, particularly in a rapidly changing world shaped by political polarization and technological disruption. Factors such as poverty, access to education, and decent work opportunities directly influence well-being.

Moderator: António Pedro Tavares Pinho, People Next Generation Fellow, 蘑菇视频 Foundation

Speakers:

  • Nattanicha Kattiyavara, Youth Reference Group
  • Maria Barreneche, Youth Advocacy & Well-being International Specialist, 蘑菇视频 Youth Office

Addressing the Youth Unemployment Crisis

This session focused on the persistent barriers young people face in accessing meaningful employment. Speakers shared innovative, youth-led initiatives that are creating more inclusive pathways to decent work.

Moderator: Bora Kamwanya, Vice-President, Pan African Youth Union

Speakers:

  • Puneet Singh Singhal, Co-founder of Billion Strong and member of 蘑菇视频 Youth Office Reference Group
  • Lindsey Huahuamullo, Founder of ImpactaYA and member of 蘑菇视频 Youth Office Reference Group

Shaping Africa’s Climate Future

Panelists highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, and showcased practical solutions and innovations aimed at strengthening resilience, improving water security, and driving locally led climate action.

Moderator: Damon Hamman, Graduate Student, New York University, Centre for Global Affairs.

Speakers:

  • Eugenia Boateng, Founder and Executive Director of African Diaspora Youth Hub, FABA (For Africa, By Africa) Institute
  • Jabri Ibrahim, 蘑菇视频 Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
  • Sibusiso Mazomba, 蘑菇视频 Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

Young People as Drivers of Gender Equality

The session explored how young activists are advancing gender equality in the face of growing global pushback on women’s rights through digital innovation and grassroots organizing. Speakers reinforced the importance of inclusive participation in building a more equitable society.

Moderator: Aishworya Shrestha, Young Leader for SDGs, 蘑菇视频 Youth Office

Speakers:

  • Hanna Mulugeta Melaku, Youth Reference Group
  • Yasmine Aburaya, Founder of Your Voice Initiative and Youth Leader in Gender Equality and Civic Engagement

Everyday Peace: Youth on the Frontlines of Change

This session highlighted the role of young people as active agents of peace in their communities. Through dialogue, advocacy, and local action, youth are helping to build trust, prevent conflict, and promote social cohesion.

Moderator: Ishaan Shah, Lead Next Generation Fellow, 蘑菇视频 Foundation
Speakers:

  • Kenan Fehri?, Member, 蘑菇视频 Youth Advisory Board in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, Generation17 Young Leader, 蘑菇视频 Development Programme