Excellencies,
Young friends,
Dear Envoys,
Dear colleagues,
I am delighted to be here today at the Youth Forum of the Economic and Social Council, and join you as a part of the main course in this Youth Forum. It is my first time to be attending the ECOSOC Youth Forum in my current capacity as Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
I would like to start by congratulating each of you on a very successful Youth Forum. Your discussions have been extremely productive and have resulted in actionable recommendations.
I am especially grateful for the outstanding leadership of the President of ECOSOC in designing and convening this year’s Youth Forum. The United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs is pleased to co-organize this Forum with the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth. And to work with the Major Group for Children and Youth and the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organizations as co-conveners.
For several years, the ECOSOC Youth Forum has been an excellent example of co-ownership, co-leadership and co creation. It also holds a unique place in the United Nations. Since its inception in 2012, the ECOSOC Youth Forum has become a significant space for young people to engage meaningfully with Governments and leaders at the United Nations.
The theme of this year’s Forum comes at a critical juncture. Efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda are faltering in the wake of cascading global crises.
The SDG Summit that will take place in September must serve as a turning point to get the 2030 Agenda back on track. Governments, businesses and the international community must use the Summit to share new and impactful approaches to development. This change is critical for the future of our people and planet. Therefore, the insights and vision of young people will be crucial in shaping and energizing these global discussions.
Secretary-General Guterres made this point clear in his policy brief on meaningful youth engagement that was released earlier this month, as preparation for the Summit of the Future in 2024. The policy brief sees youth as key to identifying new solutions that will secure the breakthroughs that our world urgently needs. It also makes clear that we need to expand and strengthen youth participation in decision - making at all levels, including here, at the United Nations.
Enhancing the impact of the ECOSOC Youth Forum is a good place to start.
I would like to share a few thoughts on how the Youth Forum can be more impactful and influential in the years ahead.
First, I invite all partners working on the next editions of the ECOSOC Youth Forum to adopt an inclusive approach and an intersectional perspective, ensuring that the Forum open its doors to all young people.
During the deliberations at this Forum, the importance of broad-based participation and engagement of all, including the most vulnerable populations, was frequently stressed. Let all young people benefit from the ECOSOC Youth Forum as their own space.
Second, I wish to reiterate the Secretary-General’s request to Member States to grant formal status and a stronger mandate to the Youth Forum. By formalizing the ECOSOC Youth Forum, it can serve as the official entry-point for youth engagement across the annual cycle of the Economic and Social Council.
Distinguished delegates,
Moving forward, I will be closely following with great interest, the outcomes of the Youth Forum and its contribution to the SDG Summit. I do hope to see you again next year, at a renewed and even more inclusive ECOSOC Youth Forum.
Thank you for your time and commitment to our future.