Presenter at ECOSOC Youth Forum says young people are ready to lead change

A presenter at the ECOSOC Youth Forum said, "Young people are ready for change. They are ready to lead the change," calling on decision-makers to use youth potential in international policymaking.

The speaker framed the forum as a place where young people "take the stage front and center," saying member states and United Nations agencies have increased opportunities to hear and elevate youth voices. The presenter said this visibility creates openings for direct discussion "with ministers, with policy makers, and other advocates for social change."

Why it matters: The ECOSOC Youth Forum is intended to connect young leaders with international policymakers; the presenter argued that rising collaboration between youth and institutional actors can move advocacy into concrete action. The speaker highlighted that this year has seen more side events and main-forum sessions where diverse youth and multiple stakeholders meet and exchange ideas.

Participants at the forum, the presenter said, are seeking more sustained collaboration between ministries and UN agencies and young people to convert discussion into policies and implementation. The presenter described the current momentum as "a powerful moment" that shows possibilities for deeper engagement.

No formal proposals or votes were recorded in the remarks. The forum remarks emphasized visibility, collaboration and the need to translate youth engagement into follow-up with policymakers and agencies.