ASEZ participated in the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, U.S. from April 14 to 16. The forum was organized under the theme “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030,” and served as a platform to discuss the roles and actionable steps youth can take toward achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and the SDGs.
The ECOSOC Youth Forum is one of the UN’s flagship youth policy platforms, where young people engage directly with member states, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector to exchange ideas for a sustainable future. This year’s forum brought together government representatives, ministerial-level officials, youth delegations, youth activists, regional and international organization representatives, as well as civil society and private sector stakeholders. Particular emphasis was placed on the participation of youth from diverse backgrounds and representatives from marginalized and vulnerable youth communities.
This participation served as a meaningful opportunity for ASEZ to raise awareness of its activities within the UN community and to broaden communication with UN officials, member state representatives, and relevant institutions. ASEZ members took part in UN discussions centered on youth leadership, sustainable development, and global cooperation, sharing a collective vision for the direction the world’s youth will help shape by 2030.
During the forum, ASEZ also participated in an Africa regional session and a breakout session held under the theme “Youth Leadership, Partnerships, and Joint Action for Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063.” The session was co-organized with UN partner institutions including the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, the African Youth Commission, and UNFPA. With UN officials, youth leaders, and international stakeholders in attendance, the session highlighted the importance of youth roles, partnerships, and collective action for sustainable development.
ASEZ representatives Anaiah Bre Thomas and Sandrine Rutayisire Amahoro were invited to speak at the forum, delivering the voices of ASEZ youth to the international community. They emphasized in particular that young people must go beyond being mere beneficiaries of sustainable development and become the driving force behind change in both local and global communities. They also introduced ASEZ’s approach to hands-on leadership through a range of activities including environmental protection, crime prevention, community service, and disaster relief.
Throughout the forum, ASEZ introduced its activities to an audience that included UN and international organization officials, conveying the importance of youth engagement and sustainable development. Members also engaged with UN and international community representatives on-site, sharing the need for youth action and solidarity in building a sustainable future.
Participation in the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 served as an opportunity for ASEZ to communicate the value of youth action and solidarity on the world stage. ASEZ will continue to take action for a sustainable future alongside university students around the globe, carrying out a wide range of activities to help young people grow into the leaders who will transform their communities and the world.
