The Delegation of the Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta actively engaged in two specific sessions of the ECOSOC Youth Forum forum, namely “Clean Water and Sanitation” and the “Regional Session on Europe, North America and Other States,” posing insightful questions to the panelists.
The 2023 Annual ECOSOC Youth Forum, held from April 25-27, 2023, focused on the crucial objectives of expediting COVID-19 recovery and effectively executing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This significant event offered young individuals a valuable platform to share their evaluations, aspirations, and recommendations with member states ahead of the SDG Summit scheduled for September 2023. With the world grappling with geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, escalating poverty, and inequalities, the Youth Forum aimed to empower the youth and enable their active participation in reshaping the world into a more equitable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable place guided by the SDGs. Serving as a pivotal avenue for young people, government representatives, and stakeholders, the forum encouraged the exchange of ideas and solutions to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. Moreover, it fostered connections with other UN processes and events taking place in 2023, including the HLPF and the SDG Summit.
The “Clean Water and Sanitation” thematic session at the ECOSOC Youth Forum addressed the challenges faced by youth and children regarding water and sanitation rights. It focused on issues related to humanitarian, climate, and migration contexts, emphasizing international cooperation. The session aimed to identify policies and actions to ensure access to safe water, sanitation, and menstrual health for girls and young women, aligning with the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework. It highlighted youth-led solutions and success stories, facilitating peer-to-peer exchanges in the areas of water cooperation and hygiene. The “Regional Breakout Session for Europe, North America, and Other States” aimed to explore how youth engagement can advance human rights and environmental justice in the region. It reviewed the progress of multiple SDGs, including 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17. The session provided a platform for youth organizations, delegates, member state representatives, and UN system representatives to discuss challenges faced by youth, propose solutions, and promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
To watch the full statement:
