New York — June 1, 2026 — The International Labour Organization (ILO) played a leading role at the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum, held from April 14–16 in New York, spotlighting youth voices and advancing decent jobs, inclusion, and social justice. The forum is one of the UN’s main platforms for young people to share ideas and influence global decision‑making on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ILO convened the SDG 17 plenary on Partnerships and Financing for Youth, moderated by youth leader Allan Murangira. The session featured interventions from Member States and youth representatives, exploring how multi‑stakeholder partnerships and innovative financing can scale social investments that support decent work, particularly for young women.
ILO Special Representative Cynthia Samuel‑Olonjuwon emphasized that investing in decent jobs for youth reduces poverty and inequality while enabling young people to live with dignity and contribute meaningfully to their economies. The discussions highlighted the need for faster policy responses to disruptions in the world of work, including governance of algorithmic hiring systems that affect young jobseekers.
Beyond the plenary, the ILO co‑organized side events with UNICEF, UNHCR, and the Global Refugee Youth Network, showcasing youth‑led initiatives and calling for stronger investment in skills development for displaced youth. At another dialogue co‑hosted with Canada, the UN Foundation, and the African Union, the ILO stressed the importance of human‑centered technological advancement in employment practices.
ILO experts also contributed to sessions on supporting vulnerable youth, including care leavers, by outlining practical measures to help them transition successfully into the labour market.
The forum made clear that achieving the SDGs requires investment in young people and stronger partnerships across governments, civil society, and youth‑led organizations. Through its active engagement, the ILO reaffirmed its commitment to working with youth to shape decisions that advance decent work, social justice, and sustainable development.
