New York, 20 March - The world is home to over 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10-24, more than at any time in history. By 2030, it is estimated that the youth population will reach 1.9 billion.   

The three-day event at the 2023 ECOSOC Youth Forum from 25-27 April, provides the opportunity for young leaders from around the world to engage with government representatives, youth delegates, policy-makers and other relevant stakeholders in civil society and the private sector. 

The Youth Forum will address the theme of ECOSOC and the 2023 UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) - “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease – COVID-19 – and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda at all levels”. It will also review progress in the areas of Sustainable Development Goals— 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). 

Midway through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, young leaders will also have the opportunity to contribute to the preparatory process of the SDG Summit on 27 April 2023.  

 UNDP will participate in high-level events, ministerial meetings and side events with partners,and build momentum for youth engagement in key issues such as climate, youth leadership, COVID-19 recovery, financing for the future, youth centered dialogue and knowledge sharing.  

UNDP will also leverage Generation17—a partnership with Samsung, to magnify the voices, stories and ingenuity of young leaders helping to achieve the Global Goals.  

The list of UNDP side events is available here.