Global Youth Leaders to Convene at UN for 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will host its annual Youth Forum from April 14 to 16, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event, themed "Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030," aims to engage young leaders, Member States, UN entities, and partners in discussions to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The forum will emphasize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review at the 2026 High-level Political Forum, including clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

Over three days, participants will engage in plenary sessions, thematic discussions, and interactive dialogues focusing on these priority SDGs. The program will also address cross-cutting issues such as youth leadership, mental health and well-being, and inclusive participation, with particular attention to young people in vulnerable and marginalized situations.

The forum will showcase youth-led innovations and solutions across key areas, including climate action, energy transition, digital inclusion, and sustainable urban development. Regional breakout sessions will provide space to reflect diverse perspectives and identify context-specific challenges and opportunities.

Outcomes from the forum are expected to contribute to key intergovernmental processes, including the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and inform broader efforts to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

As the international community approaches 2030, the ECOSOC Youth Forum continues to reinforce the importance of placing young people at the center of sustainable development efforts. Empowering youth in all their diversity remains critical to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for all.