UAE Youth Voice the Future at UN Sustainable Development Forum

TDT | Manama

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Young leaders from the UAE joined global change-makers in New York to share their vision for a sustainable future at the United Nations Sustainable Development Forum 2025.

The session, titled “Voices for 2045: Youth Shaping the Future,” was hosted by the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the UN and organized by the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brought together 40 youth participants, including members of the UN Major Group for Children and Youth, to discuss how today’s young generation can shape a world beyond 2030.

The dialogue encouraged participants to share ideas for the Extended Sustainable Development Goals (XDGs 2045), a global vision first introduced at the 2023 World Governments Summit. Through online surveys and discussions, youth highlighted their priorities: empowering young people to take part in policy-making, driving innovation, protecting the environment, and ensuring access to quality education and healthcare.

His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Chair of the National Committee for SDGs, stressed that youth are not just observers but key partners in shaping development pathways.
“Listening to youth is not enough,” he said. “Their ideas must become part of global decision-making to create a future that keeps pace with the world’s changes.”

The session focused on three themes — empathy, passion, and action — reflecting the spirit of young people determined to make a positive impact. Participants shared the challenges they face and the bold solutions they believe are needed to achieve a more inclusive and resilient future.

By hosting this session, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth and supporting global efforts toward sustainable development. The discussions also linked to the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where countries review their progress on key goals, including health, gender equality, economic growth, ocean protection, and global partnerships.

With young voices leading the way, the UAE and its international partners aim to create a world where the next generation is not just prepared for 2045 but actively shaping it.