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Youth presenters at international forum urge stronger role in SDG policymaking
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Summary
Presenters at an international subject forum and the SDG Media Zone told delegates that youth are already leading change, raised post-conflict and employment concerns, and called for deeper collaboration with United Nations agencies and ministers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Presenters at an international subject forum and the SDG Media Zone said young people are already taking leadership roles and urged policymakers to match that momentum with concrete engagement.
"Young people are ready for change," said a presenter who opened the session, calling on organizers to "use this potential." The same presenter later added, "As a young person from Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is especially important to me to be here," and noted that many young people there still face challenges left by war.
Another presenter described the gathering as a forum representing "voices worldwide," saying participants aim to create change through discussions with ministers, policymakers and other advocates. That presenter said a highlight for them was speaking at the SDG Media Zone about youth employment and emphasized that sharing perspectives can motivate peers facing job-market problems.
A third presenter told delegates, "We're not just the leaders of tomorrow, we're the leaders of today," and said they would continue advocacy in communities to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. A fourth presenter said they believe "one day, all of that voice and all that courage will mean something and will shape our world into a sustainable and more happy future together."
Speakers repeatedly called for more collaboration between young people and national ministries and United Nations agencies, noting that this year has seen an increase in both side events and main-forum participation by diverse youth stakeholders. The presenters framed that visibility to member states and UN bodies as evidence that broader youth engagement is achievable.
The session focused on testimony and personal perspectives rather than formal proposals or actions. Presenters raised specific concerns about youth employment and the lingering effects of conflict on young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but did not put forward formal motions or policy instruments during the remarks. The conversation emphasized motivation, peer-to-peer exchange, and ongoing advocacy as next steps.
