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SDG Media Zone ¨C Youth Forum 2026

SDG Media Zone ¨C ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026

Be Part of the SDG Media Zone Conversations!

The Â鶹APP Department of Global Communications held the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum from 14-16 April and discussed about the transformation and solutions needed to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a global platform for dialogue, the ECOSOC Youth Forum brought together young people, Member States, the UN system, and other partners to exchange ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and strengthen youth engagement in accelerating progress on the SDGs.

The SDG Media Zone extended the discussions beyond the policy space and into the public sphere through impactful interviews and conversations on issues that matter to people everywhere. 

Videos

14 - 16 April 2026 | ECOSOC Youth Forum

Why Youth Mental Health Matters

Moderator:

Ant¨®nio Pedro Tavares Pinho, People Next Generation Fellow, UN Foundation

Speakers:

  • Nattanicha Kattiyavara, Youth Reference Group
  • Maria Barreneche, Youth Advocacy & Well-being International Specialist, UN Youth Office

Addressing the Youth Unemployment Crisis

Moderator:

Bora Kamwanya, Vice-President, Pan African Youth Union

Speakers:

  • Puneet Singh Singhal, Co-founder of Billion Strong and member of UN Youth Office Reference Group
  • Lindsey Huahuamullo, Founder of ImpactaYA and member of UN Youth Office Reference Group

Shaping Africa¡¯s Climate Future

Moderator:

Damon Hamman, Graduate Student, New York University, Centre for Global Affairs.

Speakers:

  • Eugenia Boateng, Founder and Executive Director of African Diaspora Youth Hub, FABA (For Africa, By Africa) Institute
  • Jabri Ibrahim, UN Secretary-General¡¯s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
  • Sibusiso Mazomba, UN Secretary-General¡¯s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

Young People as Drivers of Gender Equality

Moderator:

Aishworya Shrestha, Young Leader for SDGs, UN Youth Office

Speakers:

  • Hanna Mulugeta Melaku, Youth Reference Group
  • Yasmine Aburaya, Founder of Your Voice Initiative and Youth Leader in Gender Equality and Civic Engagement

Everyday Peace: Youth on the Frontlines of Change

Moderator:
Ishaan Shah, Lead Next Generation Fellow, UN Foundation

Speakers:

  • Kenan Fehri?, Member, UN Youth Advisory Board in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, Generation17 Young Leader, UN Development Programme