Deadline: November 10, 2025
The APFSD Youth Forum 2026 is now open for applications! This annual youth-led event offers an incredible opportunity for young people from the Asia-Pacific region to actively shape the sustainable development agenda and influence key policy discussions. The forum will be held in a hybrid format (in-person and online) from 18–20 February 2026, bringing together passionate youth leaders, advocates, and changemakers under one powerful theme.
About the APFSD Youth Forum 2026
The APFSD Youth Forum 2026—formally known as the Youth Forum of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD)—serves as a platform for young people aged 13–30 years (born on or after 21 February 1996) to share experiences, exchange ideas, and advocate for transformative actions toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 2026 forum will be guided by the theme:
“Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for young people in all their diversity.”
This youth-led initiative ensures that the voices, realities, and perspectives of young people are included in shaping regional priorities and influencing global decision-making platforms such as the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2026.
Objectives of the Forum
The APFSD Youth Forum 2026 aims to:
- Strengthen youth participation in the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Assess the progress, gaps, and challenges in achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 17—from a youth perspective.
- Develop a Youth Call to Action to influence national, sub-regional, and regional policy discussions.
- Promote inclusive participation and ensure that young people from diverse backgrounds and communities contribute meaningfully to the regional SDG discourse.
Format and Dates
The forum will adopt a hybrid modality, allowing participants to join either in person or virtually.
- Dates: 18–20 February 2026
- Format: Hybrid (In-person & Online)
This approach ensures that youth from across the Asia-Pacific region can engage meaningfully regardless of their geographical location.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the APFSD Youth Forum 2026, applicants must:
- Be between 13 and 30 years old (born on or after 21 February 1996).
- Reside in or be from a country in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implementation at the local, national, or regional level.
- Be actively engaged in community initiatives, advocacy, or youth-led projects that align with the SDGs.
Priority will be given to:
- Young people from marginalised or socially excluded groups, including those from remote areas or underrepresented communities.
- Applicants who apply a human rights-based approach in their work or advocacy.
Application Deadline
- Deadline for submission: 10 November 2025
Applicants are required to submit an abstract as part of their application process.
Why You Should Apply
Participating in the APFSD Youth Forum 2026 provides a unique platform to:
- Amplify youth voices in shaping regional and global development priorities.
- Network with like-minded youth leaders, policymakers, and development experts.
- Contribute to drafting and presenting a Youth Call to Action that will inform high-level discussions at the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the HLPF 2026.
Important Note
This opportunity is open exclusively to youth from the Asia-Pacific region. If you are based outside this region (for instance, in Africa), you may not be eligible to apply. However, similar opportunities exist for youth in other regions through global forums—feel free to reach out if you would like help identifying relevant opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their abstracts and complete the application process via the official platform.
For support with proposal drafting, refining, and review, feel free to contact us — we are here to help you craft a compelling and competitive application.
