The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum will be held on 7 and 8 April 2021. The modalities of participation will depend on the evolving spread of COVID-19 and its impact on travel restrictions as well as considerations on the safety, health and wellbeing of participants.
The Forum provides a global platform for a candid dialogue among Member States and young leaders from around the world on solutions to challenges affecting youth wellbeing. It also serves as a unique space for young people to share their vision and actions as well as to provide youth perspectives on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
The 2021 Forum’s discussions will be guided by the overall theme of the 2021 ECOSOC and HLPF: “Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development: Building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development”. Consideration will also be given to the group of SDGs decided by Member States for in-depth discussions at the 2021 HLPF, namely, SDGs 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16 and 17.
Who
The Forum is being organized by the UN Department of Economic Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth (OSGEY), the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organizations (ICMYO) as well as partners in the UN system.
Youth leaders from around the world will have the opportunity to engage with government representatives, youth delegates, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in civil society and the private sector.
HOW?
The two-day event will feature plenary sessions, interactive thematic and regionally-based discussions, and provide an opportunity for a rich exchange of views and ideas on innovative solutions to issues of relevance to young people on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and also on the sustainable development goals under review in the Economic and Social Council and the High-level Political Forum in 2021.
Format
Due to the uncertainties still anticipated in April 2021 for in-person gatherings at the United Nations Headquarters due to COVID-19, the ECOSOC Youth Forum will be held in a virtual format. This will offer the possibility for a larger audience to be connected virtually from around
the world and participate in its discussion sessions.
Information
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2021