Involving youth in the sustainable development goals: the ECOSOC Youth Forum.
From the 2nd to the 3rd of February, the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Youth Forum brought together UN Member States, UN agencies, youth delegates, representatives of youth organisations and other young people in the UN Headquarters in New York City.
The sessions focused on youth engagement in the transition from MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), WPAY+20 (World Programme of Action for Youth +20) and the post-2015 development agenda, youth participation in Africa, gender equality and global and regional processes taking place in those contexts.
As in the past edition, the European Youth Forum was present at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, with its Vice-President, Joan Conca Domènech, taking part in a panel discussion focusing on WPAY+20, together with youth ministers from Burkina Faso, Mexico and Romania, as well as representatives of other youth organisations.
The European Youth Forum appreciated the possibility to take part in this event, but would, however, like to see more structured involvement of youth organisations and young people in the development and preparation of the Forum. More interaction between Member States and youth representatives, as well as more possibilities for youth representatives to discuss amongst themselves and with the UN agencies and Member State representatives would help to improve the meeting. The ECOSOC Youth Forum is a step in the direction of youth participation in the UN system but is by no means the pinnacle of such participation.
The European Youth Forum strongly believes that youth involvement is essential in the transition to the SDGs. The UN Secretary-General has referred to young people as the "torchbearers" of the next development framework and we will continue to work towards strong and effective participation of young people and youth organisations within it.
More information:
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the United Nations’ central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development. The theme of the ECOSOC Youth Forum is linked to the high-level segment of the UN Economic and Social Council.
- Website of the ECOSOC Youth Forum
- Links to the videos of the different sessions are available here
Related articles & publications
Urging for immediate action on Sustainable Development Goals
We attended the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. This is the main United Nations conference dedicated to tracking the progress of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
European Culture and Education can’t be left to the hands of Eurosceptics!
Block anti-democratic forces across the political spectrum from holding essential and influential positions in the European Parliament.
Ghent: they are the city, the European Youth Capital city
As summer approaches Ghent is buzzing more than ever! After a spectacular opening in February, the European Youth Capital 2024 has continued to impress with a series of events celebrating young people and creativity. Check out a recap of the highlights so far and a preview of what's to come.