ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 at the United Nations in New York

The ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 is one of the largest global youth gatherings organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The event brings together young leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and international institutions to discuss solutions for global challenges and sustainable development.

The forum will take place from 14–16 April 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, United States. (ecosoc.un.org)

The annual forum provides a platform for young people from around the world to engage directly with governments and UN agencies, sharing ideas and innovative solutions related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Theme of ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026

The 2026 forum focuses on the theme:

• “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030.”

The discussions will highlight the role of youth in accelerating progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 global goals. (ecosoc.un.org)

Participants will explore how innovation, collaboration, and youth leadership can address global issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and technological transformation.

Forum Overview

• Event: ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026
• Organizer: United Nations Economic and Social Council
• Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
• Dates: 14–16 April 2026
• Format: International youth forum and policy dialogue

The forum is considered the United Nations’ largest annual youth event, bringing together global stakeholders to strengthen youth participation in international policymaking. (ecosoc.un.org)

Who Participates

Participants in the forum typically include:

• Youth leaders and youth organizations
• Government representatives and ministers
• United Nations agencies
• Civil society organizations
• Development experts and policymakers

The event encourages diverse participation, including youth from grassroots organizations, community groups, and international networks.

Key Topics and Discussions

The forum focuses on global challenges connected to sustainable development.

Major discussion areas include:

• Youth innovation for sustainable development
• Artificial intelligence and digital transformation
• Financing for development and global cooperation
• Climate action and environmental sustainability
• Inclusive economic growth and social development

These discussions contribute to global policy processes connected to the UN’s development agenda.

Activities at the Forum

Participants will engage in various activities during the event.

• High-level plenary sessions
• Panel discussions with policymakers and experts
• Youth-led dialogues and workshops
• Networking sessions with global leaders
• Policy discussions related to the Sustainable Development Goals

The forum also includes special youth events such as the Youth Blast, a capacity-building program organized before the main forum.

Why the ECOSOC Youth Forum Matters

For more than a decade, the ECOSOC Youth Forum has served as a key platform for youth engagement in global governance. The event allows young people to present ideas, innovations, and policy recommendations directly to world leaders.

By connecting youth leaders with international institutions, the forum strengthens global collaboration and ensures that young voices play a central role in shaping the future of sustainable development.