ECOSOC Youth Forum 2023
Written by: Christine Rose Bulayo
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum brought together young individuals from across the globe in a hybrid format from 25 to 27 April 2023. This significant event provided a platform for youth leaders to engage in dialogue, express their perspectives and mobilize actions towards a fairer, greener and more sustainable world, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum focused on accelerating the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Moreover, it assessed progress in critical areas such as 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).
The three-day event featured plenary sessions as well as interactive discussions. Young people were invited to share best practices, lessons learned, solutions as well as creative and innovative ideas on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and on the SDGs under review in the Economic and Social Council and the High-level Political Forum in July 2023. Side events also took place virtually and in-person.
The 2023 ECOSOC Youth Forum was convened by the ECOSOC President and co-organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth. The forum provided a unique opportunity for youth leaders to engage with various stakeholders. Government representatives, youth delegates, policymakers and actors from civil society and the private sector participated in dynamic discussions, sharing insights and fostering collaboration. Among the dedicated participants was Ms. Christine Rose Bulayo, the Regional Secretary General for Women's Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI)-Asia Pacific Chapter, and a UN representative from the WFWPI Office for UN Relations in New York, was one of the volunteer staff members during the Youth Forum. Through her involvement, Ms. Bulayo had the privilege of meeting youth leaders from around the world, as well as the Philippine delegation with Undersecretary Ronald L. Cardema, the Chairman of the National Youth Commission.
During her interactions at the forum, Ms. Bulayo took the opportunity to introduce the work of WFWP Philippines and its implementing arm, the 10K Heroes United, to fellow youth leaders. In particular, her meeting with Undersecretary Cardema opened doors to future collaboration.
The UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2023 served as a catalyst for youth-led change and sustainable development. By providing a global platform for engagement, dialogue and collaboration, the forum empowered young leaders to voice their concerns, share their perspectives and act towards a fairer and more sustainable world. The active participation of organizations like the WFWPI exemplified the dedication and commitment to empowering the youth. The connections made at the forum laid the foundation for future partnerships that will further advance the cause of youth empowerment and create a brighter future for all.
