2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum Speaking Opportunities: Apply to Speak at the United Nations (Open to youth Worldwide)
the United Nations (Open to youth Worldwide)
Job Description
Young leaders from around the world can now apply for speaking opportunities at the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum, one of the most influential global platforms for youth engagement in sustainable development and global policy dialogue.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum brings together young people, policymakers, UN officials, and civil society organizations to discuss innovative solutions for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Applications are currently open for youth speakers (both funded and self-funded) who are interested in sharing ideas, innovations, and youth-led initiatives during the Forum sessions.
Application Deadline: 7 March 2026, 8:00 AM EST
Forum Dates: 14–16 April 2026
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States
Youth Blast (capacity building activities): 13 April 2026
About the ECOSOC Youth Forum
The ECOSOC Youth Forum is the annual youth forum of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. It serves as a major platform for young people to contribute to global policy discussions and present ideas, innovations, and solutions that advance sustainable development.
The Forum brings together:
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Youth leaders and youth organizations
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Government representatives
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United Nations agencies
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Civil society organizations
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Development practitioners and policymakers
Participants engage in discussions that help shape international policy conversations connected to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Forum is closely linked to key UN processes, particularly the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
Theme of the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum
The theme for the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum is:
“Innovate, Unite, and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030.”
This theme aligns with the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which focuses on transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable Development Goals in Focus
The Forum will place special emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals that will be reviewed at the 2026 High-Level Political Forum.
These include:
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SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
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SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
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SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
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SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
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SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
The Forum will also contribute to discussions related to several upcoming global processes, including:
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UN Water Conference 2026
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World Urban Forum 2026 (WUF13)
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SDG Summit 2027
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UN-Habitat Assembly 2027
Speaking Opportunities at the ECOSOC Youth Forum
Young people are invited to apply to serve as speakers during the various sessions of the Forum.
Selected speakers will have the opportunity to:
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Present youth-led solutions and initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals
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Share research, innovations, and policy ideas
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Contribute youth perspectives to global development discussions
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Engage with policymakers, UN representatives, and global stakeholders
Youth speakers will also deliver short presentations between sessions where they can share personal experiences, innovative solutions, and insights related to sustainable development.
Applicants can use the application form to indicate:
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Preferred session(s) they would like to speak in
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Whether they are applying for funded or self-funded participation
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Their relevant experience and expertise
Anyone selected for a speaking role will automatically receive an invitation to attend the Forum.
Format of the Forum
The 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum will take place in a hybrid format, allowing participation both in person and online.
Key elements of the Forum include:
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Opening plenary session
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Closing plenary session
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Interactive thematic sessions
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Regional breakout sessions
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Youth-led presentations
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Networking and policy dialogue sessions
A Youth Blast event will take place on 13 April 2026, offering training, capacity building, and networking opportunities for participants before the main Forum begins.
Who Should Apply
Young people from around the world are encouraged to apply, particularly those who are working on issues related to sustainable development.
Potential applicants may include:
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Youth activists and advocates
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Young researchers and academics
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Entrepreneurs and innovators
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Civil society leaders
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Youth organization representatives
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Students and early career professionals
Applicants with experience in areas such as climate action, innovation, urban development, energy, water management, and partnerships for development are particularly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the youth co-leads coordinating the various Forum sessions.
Selection will be based on several factors, including:
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Relevance of the applicant’s experience to the session theme
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Quality of proposed contributions and ideas
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Demonstrated leadership and engagement in sustainable development initiatives
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Regional diversity and representation
Individuals interested in helping with the selection process can contact the organizing team via email.
Email: ecosocyf@unmgcy.org
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official form.
Application link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk5xWqNC_7ih1a6PSO-KQG6zbPgcTxDoqWvnn68rWZy-MGpQ/viewform
Application deadline:
7 March 2026 at 8:00 AM EST
Learn More
More information about the Forum can be found on the official webpage.
Application link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk5xWqNC_7ih1a6PSO-KQG6zbPgcTxDoqWvnn68rWZy-MGpQ/viewform
ECOSOC Youth Forum page:
https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/ecosoc-youth-forum/about-youth-forum/ecosoc-youth-forum-2026
Additional updates:
https://www.linktree.com/ecosocyouthforum
Application link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk5xWqNC_7ih1a6PSO-KQG6zbPgcTxDoqWvnn68rWZy-MGpQ/viewform
For more international fellowships, conferences, scholarships, and leadership opportunities for young people worldwide, visit www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.