The ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025 is an important annual event that brings together young leaders, experts, and government representatives from around the world at the United Nations headquarters. Many people think that the issues discussed at this forum are far removed from the concerns of the majority of young people. However, this is not the case. The goals and objectives of the forum address the future of the entire younger generation, and the initiatives raised within its framework can only come to life if everyone understands their importance for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

In this article, we will answer the simplest yet most pressing question for many: “Why should I participate in the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025?” And there are plenty of reasons for that. Here are a few of them:

1. Your Ideas on How to Make the World Better and Safer Will Be Heard at the Highest Level.

That’s right. The forum is unique in that young people have the opportunity to bring up issues related to peacebuilding, security, economics, and human rights, engaging directly with representatives of various countries, officials, and high-ranking dignitaries. The recommendations, initiatives, and specific projects proposed by the youth participants on how to address these issues are discussed during the event’s discussions and interactive workshops. At the end of these sessions, their suggestions are included in the final document.

2. You can participate in developing solutions to specific tasks related to achieving the SDGs.

The forum’s program is specifically structured around the key SDGs being considered in 2025. If young people have projects that align with the broader context of the SDGs, the chance of them being realized is quite high. However, it is important to remember that proposed initiatives should be backed by solid evidence and based on up-to-date research.

3. You can discover interesting events and see how young people from different countries collaborate to discuss solutions to regional issues.

For example, a participant can attend one of the events - the Second Dialogue of the Youth of Central Asian Countries. There, they will be welcomed with engaging discussions, real projects, and debates on ways to implement them. Why the Second Dialogue of the Youth of Central Asian Countries? Because it’s the first such format at the UN Headquarters, and it will be fascinating to see which regional issues the youth of this rapidly developing region will focus on, but even more interesting will be the solutions they propose to address these issues.

4. You will gain new contacts and friends from around the world.

It is noteworthy that young delegates can establish valuable connections not only with government members but also with experts, civil society representatives, businesses, and international organizations. Furthermore, young people with the most compelling ideas may become part of teams that will continue working even after the forum. In addition, the youth attending the forum will gain valuable experience in international cooperation, which is crucial for their personal and professional growth moving forward.

5. You will gain insight into the sentiments and views of the global community on various issues of the Agenda and make relevant decisions based on this knowledge.

Forum participants will be introduced to current theses, recommendations, and best practice examples, which will later be used at the highest levels of international negotiations. By personally engaging with the internal workings of dialogue mechanisms and their content, young people will be able to respond appropriately and, most importantly, timely to various challenges. As the saying goes: forewarned is forearmed, meaning they will be ready to act confidently, contributing to sustainable development.

6. You will receive support from professionals.

The forum is organized with the participation of leading UN bodies, such as DESA, UN Youth Office, and with the support of major youth organizations (MGCY, ICMYO). This guarantees a high level of technical and organizational preparation. Every participant will be supported and guided by experienced UN specialists, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and the opportunity to implement even the most ambitious initiatives.

Thus, participating in the forum will open unique opportunities for personal and professional growth for each participant, allowing them to become an active contributor to global sustainable development processes and make a meaningful contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

You can learn more about how to participate in the event in our previous article by following this link.