More than a thousand young leaders, innovators, and advocates from around the world convened on 14-16 April at the\u00a02026 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ ECOSOC Forum<\/a><\/span>\u2014the United Nations\u2019 largest annual youth gathering in New York\u2014to advance transformative solutions for\u00a0the Sustainable Development Goals<\/u><\/a><\/span>. Serving as a powerful platform for youth voices, the Forum concluded\u00a0with renewed commitments to drive action on climate change, inequality, and innovation.<\/p>\n On the sidelines of the Forum, the\u00a0SDG Media Zone\u00a0<\/span><\/a>provided an opportunity for youth leaders to share \u00a0innovative ideas for building a more sustainable world, spanning issues from mental health and climate action to employment, gender equality, and peacebuilding.<\/p>\n Videos: https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/sdgmediazone\/ecosoc-youth-forum\/programme<\/a><\/span> Why Youth Mental Health Matters<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Speakers emphasized that mental health is foundational to young people\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Moderator: Ant\u00f3nio Pedro Tavares Pinho, People Next Generation Fellow, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Foundation<\/p>\n Speakers:<\/p>\n Watch Now<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Addressing the Youth Unemployment Crisis<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Moderator: Bora Kamwanya, Vice-President, Pan African Youth Union<\/p>\n Speakers:<\/p>\n Watch Now<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Shaping Africa\u2019s Climate Future<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Moderator: Damon Hamman, Graduate Student, New York University, Centre for Global Affairs.<\/p>\n Speakers:<\/p>\n
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