The Asia-Pacific region is harnessing the energy and passion of its youth to tackle environmental challenges, with nearly 60 percent of the world’s young population driving innovative solutions. This momentum was showcased at the annual Asia-Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, where officials, experts, and activists gathered to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
A key highlight was the Youth Forum Regional Call to Action 2026, developed by 705 participants aged 13 to 30 from 38 countries and territories. The document outlined specific strategies for SDGs related to clean water and sanitation, affordable energy, sustainable infrastructure, resilient cities, and global partnerships. It emphasized that young people should be recognized as active partners in governance, rather than mere consultees.
Innovation and leadership were demonstrated by young entrepreneurs such as Roikhanatun Nafi’ah from Indonesia, who presented the Eco-Aerator at UN Women’s Climate Tech Accelerator. The device combines renewable energy, smart monitoring, and artificial intelligence to make aquaculture more sustainable, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly, highlighting women’s pivotal role in climate solutions.
Youth representatives from countries including Viet Nam, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan shared insights on diverse environmental challenges. Xinai Liu from China asserted that young people are already central to decision-making processes, while others stressed the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that youth of all abilities and backgrounds are engaged. Jaldeep Sapkota from Nepal emphasized that investing in accessibility for people with disabilities is crucial for sustainable development.
Srinivas Tata, Director of the Social Development Division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, underscored the unprecedented challenge of balancing an ageing population with a massive youth demographic, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to knowledge-sharing and sustainable development.
Overall, the forum highlighted that youth leadership, diversity, and technological innovation are key to advancing climate action and sustainability across the Asia-Pacific region.
