Applications are now open for youth speaking opportunities at the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum, one of the most influential global platforms for young people to engage in international policy discussions. The forum is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council and will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, United States.
The ECOSOC Youth Forum brings together youth leaders, policymakers, government representatives, civil society organizations, and UN agencies to discuss solutions that advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Young people from around the world are invited to apply to speak during forum sessions, share youth-led initiatives, and contribute ideas that support sustainable development.
Forum Details
- Event: ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026
- Organizer: United Nations Economic and Social Council
- Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York City
- Forum Dates: 14 – 16 April 2026
- Youth Blast Training Event: 13 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 7 March 2026 (8:00 AM EST)
The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join either in person or online.
Theme of the 2026 Forum
The theme for the 2026 edition is:
“Innovate, Unite, and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030.”
This theme focuses on empowering young people to collaborate on solutions that accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable Development Goals in Focus
The 2026 forum will highlight several key SDGs that will also be reviewed at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development:
- 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
Discussions will also connect with major upcoming global events, including the UN Water Conference 2026 and the World Urban Forum 2026.
Speaking Opportunities
Young leaders can apply to become youth speakers during different sessions of the forum.
Selected speakers will have the opportunity to:
- Present youth-led projects and initiatives related to the SDGs
- Share innovative solutions and research addressing global challenges
- Contribute to policy discussions with UN officials and decision-makers
- Network with international organizations, policymakers, and development experts
Applicants can also indicate which sessions they would prefer to speak in when submitting the application.
Who Should Apply
Young people worldwide are encouraged to apply, especially those involved in:
- Youth activism and advocacy
- Research and academia
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Civil society organizations
- Youth-led development initiatives
- Sustainable development projects
Applicants working on issues such as climate action, innovation, energy, water management, urban development, and partnerships for development are particularly encouraged to participate.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the youth co-leads responsible for organizing the forum sessions. Selection is based on:
- Relevance of the applicant’s experience
- Strength of the proposed ideas or solutions
- Leadership and engagement in youth initiatives
- Geographic diversity and representation among participants
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete the official online application form and provide details about their experience, expertise, and preferred speaking sessions.
Applicants can also indicate whether they are applying for funded or self-funded participation in the forum.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Check other opportunities:
Paid Smithsonian Internship 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Housing Provided)
CERN Short-Term Internship 2026 in Switzerland (Paid Internship for International Students)
Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition 2026 (Free Trip to London)
Study in South Korea for Free: Korea University SK Global Scholarship 2026
Study in South Africa with the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027
Fully Funded InteRussia Fellowship Programme in Medicine 2026 (Study Visit to Russia)
Study in the UK: Bristol University Think Big Scholarship 2026 for International Students
