Applications are open for Young leaders and youth organizations to apply for speaking opportunities at the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum, one of the most prominent global platforms where young people contribute to discussions shaping the future of sustainable development. The Forum is organized under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and convenes youth representatives, government officials, policymakers, and international organizations to exchange ideas and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For the 2026 edition, youth co-organizers are offering speaking slots for young advocates who wish to share their perspectives, experiences, and solutions related to global development challenges. Selected speakers may participate either as funded or self-funded contributors, depending on the selection process and individual circumstances.

The ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 will take place from 14–16 April 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters, bringing together youth voices from across the globe to engage in meaningful dialogue with decision-makers.

About the ECOSOC Youth Forum

The ECOSOC Youth Forum is the United Nations’ annual youth gathering dedicated to strengthening youth participation in global policymaking processes. The event serves as a key meeting point for young leaders to engage with governments and international institutions on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

The Forum is closely linked with important UN processes, including the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where progress on the SDGs is assessed and future actions are discussed.

The 2026 Forum theme, “Innovate, Unite, and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030,” emphasizes the role of young people in developing innovative and collaborative solutions that accelerate progress toward sustainable development worldwide.

Focus Areas for 2026

Discussions during the forum will center on several SDGs scheduled for in-depth review in 2026, including:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

In addition to these priority goals, sessions will also explore broader global processes such as the upcoming United Nations Water Conference 2026, the World Urban Forum 13, and future SDG milestones.

Speaking Opportunities

Young people selected as speakers will have the chance to contribute directly to panel discussions and thematic sessions during the Forum. Speakers may:

• Share innovative ideas, experiences, or solutions related to sustainable development.

• Participate in thematic and regional breakout discussions.

• Deliver short interventions or presentations between major sessions.

• Engage with policymakers, UN officials, and international youth networks.

Applications are open for both funded speaking roles and self-funded participation, allowing young changemakers from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the event.

Event Format

The 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum will be organized in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join in person in New York or virtually from around the world.

In addition to the main forum sessions, a Youth Blast event will take place on 13 April 2026, featuring training sessions and capacity-building activities designed to prepare participants for policy engagement and leadership discussions.

Deadline to apply as a speaker: 7 March 2026 (08:00 AM EST, New York time)

Don't miss out on the application deadline to apply as a speaker: 7 March 2026 (08:00 AM EST, New York time).