United Nations, by Nishat Mirza- The 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum, held April 14–17 under the theme “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030.” Over three dynamic days, youth delegates turned the spotlight on Goals 7, 11, and 17—affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, and global partnerships—bringing fresh ideas and powerful lived experiences to the forefront of global policymaking.
Mental health crisis among youth linked to climate, conflict, and inequality
Youth demand more access to clean energy and green jobs across regions
AI and technology must be inclusive and accessible to all young people
From the very first day, the conversation was charged with ambition. Youth representatives from Morocco, Syria, and Türkiye passionately called for expanded renewable energy systems and the creation of green jobs, emphasizing that climate solutions must also be economic solutions. The message was clear: young people are not just asking for change—they are building it.
Day two shifted the focus to technology and artificial intelligence, where innovation met inclusion. At a side event hosted by Turkish OIC youth delegates titled “Strengthening Inclusive Technology System,” speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies. Taha Ayhan, President of ICYF, emphasized that youth across OIC countries are increasingly stepping into decision-making spaces through active participation in global forums. Sadullah Uzun from Türkiye’s Ministry of Technology noted a growing determination among youth in eastern Türkiye, where economic disparities have fueled a strong desire for opportunity and transformation, prompting targeted investments in those regions.
But it was day three that brought some of the most emotional and urgent discussions, as youth mental health took center stage. Delegates spoke candidly about the invisible weight carried by their generation. A youth representative from Colombia shared that many young people today face academic pressure, poverty, and trauma from conflict, pushing some to the brink of suicide. Others echoed that the climate crisis itself is a mental health crisis. A delegate from India explained how extreme heat and pollution in low-income communities are deeply affecting young people’s psychological well-being, stating, “Our mental health is produced by the system.”
Voices from the Arab region underscored the toll of geopolitical instability, where young people face persistent stress and depression despite being the region’s largest demographic group. Syrian and Palestinian youth, even after migrating to countries with more opportunities, continue to carry the psychological scars of war. In Eastern Europe, the crisis is equally stark, with 1.5 million young people in Ukraine reportedly experiencing PTSD and in urgent need of mental health support. Meanwhile, a delegate from Japan highlighted a different but equally pressing issue—lack of confidence among youth due to limited early work opportunities, advocating for stronger work-study programs to build both skills and self-belief.
Across all discussions, one theme remained constant: youth are not passive observers of global challenges—they are deeply affected and actively engaged in shaping solutions. Whether addressing climate change, technological inequality, or mental health, the forum made one thing unmistakably clear—young voices are not only being heard, they are leading the way forward.
