The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2026 is now accepting applications from passionate young people across Asia and the Pacific who are eager to shape the region’s sustainable future.
The 2026 edition, themed “Transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for young people in all their diversity,” will be held from 18–20 February 2026 in a hybrid format (in-person and virtual).
This forum provides an inclusive platform for youth aged 13–30 to discuss critical issues related to sustainable development, governance, climate change, gender equality, and social inclusion.
About the APFSD Youth Forum
The APFSD Youth Forum is an annual regional event co-organized by the Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Youth LEAD, YPEER Asia-Pacific Center, and partners such as UNDP, YECAP, and UN ESCAP.
Since 2017, this forum has brought together hundreds of young leaders to share innovative ideas, discuss policy gaps, and influence regional decision-making linked to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Youth Forum acts as a bridge between young changemakers and global processes like the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), amplifying youth voices in policy discussions.
Objectives of the 2026 Forum
The APFSD Youth Forum 2026 aims to:
- Ensure meaningful inclusion of young people’s voices in setting and implementing the regional sustainable development agenda.
- Review progress and identify gaps in achieving key SDGs under review, Goals 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 17.
- Develop and present the APFSD Youth Call to Action 2026 at national, regional, and global levels.
- Create a safe and inclusive space for young participants, including adolescents and marginalized youth.
- Foster collaboration and youth participation in sustainability governance.
Key Focus Areas
Participants will engage in discussions and workshops focused on:
- Good health and well-being (SDG 3)
- Gender equality (SDG 5)
- Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6)
- Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)
- Industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11)
- Climate action (SDG 13)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
These discussions will help shape strategies for inclusive and transformative youth-led action in the region.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the APFSD Youth Forum 2026, applicants must:
- Be aged 13–30 years (born on or after 21 February 1996).
- Reside in a country within Asia and the Pacific.
- Support human rights-based approaches to sustainable development.
- Demonstrate relevant experience or interest in SDGs under review.
- Represent marginalized, excluded, or underrepresented groups (priority given).
- Have previously participated in APFSD Youth Forums or contributed to past Calls to Action (optional but advantageous).
Call for Abstracts
The forum invites abstract submissions focused on:
- Climate action and environmental resilience
- Gender equality and human rights
- Health, SRHR, and comprehensive sexuality education
- Youth participation in governance and innovation
- Partnerships for achieving the SDGs
Abstracts can reflect research, youth-led initiatives, or community-based projects relevant to the SDGs.
Applicants submitting an abstract must also complete the main forum application.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: November 10, 2025 (11:59 PM, Thailand Time)
- Forum Dates: February 18–20, 2026
- Mode: Hybrid (In-person + Virtual)
- Language: English (translation support may be available upon request)
Applicants under 18 will be required to provide parental or guardian consent if selected.
What Happens Next
Outcomes from the APFSD Youth Forum 2026, especially the Youth Call to Action, will inform major international events such as the APFSD Intergovernmental Forum 2026, ECOSOC Youth Forum, UN Water Conference 2026, and SDG Summit 2027.
Through these efforts, youth voices from across Asia and the Pacific will help shape sustainable development dialogues at both regional and global levels.
Apply now to be part of the APFSD Youth Forum 2026 and contribute to building a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future for all.
For questions or clarifications, visit the APFSD Youth Forum.
