Applications are open for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2026. This hybrid event will take place from 18–20 February 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, and offers an inclusive platform for young people across the Asia-Pacific region to engage in the regional review and follow-up of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Organized by ARROW, in collaboration with Youth LEAD, YPEER Asia Pacific Center, UN ESCAP, and several regional youth networks, the forum brings together 400–500 young participants aged 13–30 from diverse backgrounds. The gathering emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and shared learning among youth advocates, activists, and community leaders committed to advancing sustainable development.

About the Forum

Since 2017, the APFSD Youth Forum has served as a space for young people to shape the regional sustainable development agenda. The 2026 edition will continue this mission under the theme:
“Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for young people in all their diversity.”

The forum will focus on the SDGs under review for the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), namely:
Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

This youth-led gathering aims to ensure that young voices are represented in shaping regional priorities, addressing structural barriers to inclusion, and advancing youth-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Key Objectives

• Amplify young people’s perspectives in regional and global SDG dialogues.

• Review and reflect on progress, gaps, and challenges in achieving the 2030 Agenda.

• Develop and present a Youth Call to Action at national, sub-regional, and regional levels.

• Strengthen youth participation in intergovernmental processes, including the APFSD 2026, HLPF 2026, and the ECOSOC Youth Forum.

 Call for Abstracts

Young applicants are encouraged to submit abstracts showcasing initiatives, research, or grassroots projects aligned with the SDGs under review. Submissions may cover areas such as climate action, gender equality, health and well-being, youth rights, decent work, and partnerships for sustainable development.
Applicants submitting abstracts must also apply for the general forum participation.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline (Extended): 16 November 2025 (11:59 PM, Bangkok Time)

• Format: Hybrid (In-person in Bangkok + Virtual sessions)