Thobeka Ngema|Published
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is set to reinforce South Africa’s dedication to international collaboration and the advancement of youth empowerment at the upcoming United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2026.
Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike will spearhead South Africa’s delegation to the ECOSOC event, scheduled to take place in New York from April 14 to 16. The forum’s theme, “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030,” highlights the pivotal role of young people in global development.
Serving as a worldwide platform, the forum convenes young changemakers, policymakers, and development stakeholders to explore creative, youth-driven initiatives aimed at accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
South Africa leverages such international gatherings to elevate youth voices and promote national strategies focused on skill enhancement, employment generation, and entrepreneurial support. These efforts align closely with the government’s National Youth Policy, which prioritizes inclusive youth empowerment across all sectors.
Deputy Minister Letsike emphasized that ECOSOC offers a unique opportunity for young people to engage directly with global decision-makers, fostering collaborative solutions to pressing worldwide issues. The forum places youth at the forefront of policymaking, driving momentum towards achieving the SDGs and ensuring governmental accountability.
He further noted that this platform symbolizes a transformative shift in global governance, promoting participatory, inclusive, and intergenerational approaches to leadership and decision-making.
“Through the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, our government remains steadfast in its commitment to youth development by broadening access to skills training, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable employment pathways,” Letsike stated.
“Our active involvement underscores South Africa’s dedication to strengthening multilateral partnerships founded on solidarity and shared responsibility. We recognize that the complex challenges confronting humanity require collective action beyond national borders.”
The United Nations highlights that the forum will concentrate on transformative, equitable, and innovative collaborative efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its associated SDGs.
Particular attention will be given to the SDGs undergoing comprehensive review at the 2026 High-level Political Forum (HLPF), including Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The three-day conference will feature plenary discussions alongside interactive thematic and regional breakout sessions designed to deepen dialogue on advancing the 2030 Agenda. It will also contribute to key intergovernmental processes such as the UN Water Conference 2026, the World Urban Forum 2026 (WUF13), the SDG Summit 2027, and the HABITAT Assembly 2027.
