NEW YORK, April 15, 2026 — Zambia is participating in the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, according to a statement issued by Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Principal Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nchimunya Bobby Ng’andu.
The forum, which opened on April 14, has brought together thousands of young people from across the globe to engage with policymakers, governments and development partners on advancing sustainable development.
Zambia is represented by two youth delegates, Mr. James Muleya and Ms. Olivia Tutu, who are participating in various high-level engagements alongside fellow youth leaders. The delegation is led by Ms. Stenah Shampile, Chargée d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations.
Held under the theme “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030,” the forum focuses on accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Mr. Ng’andu, the forum provides an important platform for young people to contribute to global policy discussions and share innovative solutions to development challenges.
This year’s forum is focusing on key Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry and innovation, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for development.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum is the UN’s largest annual youth gathering and serves as a preparatory platform for the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where progress on the SDGs is reviewed.
Mr. Ng’andu said Zambia’s participation underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting meaningful youth engagement and ensuring that young people play an active role in shaping sustainable development outcomes at both national and global levels.
The 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum is expected to conclude on April 16.
