They say the word today is home to the largest generation of young people in history. And in support of the generation that will lead the future, the United Nations and many other organizations and entities organize various Youth Fora and other youth-centered activities. Youth For a provides the opportunity for youth to meet and discuss issues that are of concern to them, in the most meaningful way for them. They have the goal of engaging with, supporting, and empowering young people to turn their ideas into potential future actions.
This year's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2022 took place virtually on 19 and 20 April 2022, with numerous side events made available for young people. This year’s Youth Forum focused on the outlook to a post-pandemic era whilst targeting the 2030 Agenda (“Building back better from COVID- 19 while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda.”). In particular, it also served as an opportunity to review progress in the areas of quality education (SDG4), gender equality (SDG5), life below water (SDG14), life on land (SDG15) and partnerships for the goals (SDG17).
The ECOSOC Youth Forum included opening and closing plenary sessions with representatives from youth organisations, as well as high-level speakers and keynote speakers. In addition to the 2 days of the Youth Forum, 18 April was also dedicated entirely to numerous side events. UNODC also took part in organizing side events aiming to promote gender equality and quality education (on integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption). From the UNODC Youth Initiative, we shared the experience with the UNODC Youth Forum and how we have been engaging with youth interested in substance use prevention.
We are happy to contribute to a network of youth where people are able to exchange ideas, learn new things, and discuss potential solutions to global challenges, and hope that such mediums of interaction and engagement are sustained in the years to come.