In the lead up to International Youth Day, SDSN Youth celebrated another installment of its intergenerational dialogues. This time, aimed at commemorating SDSN Youth’s 10th anniversary, the event focused on acknowledging the role of young people in sustainable development, and specifically from the perspective of SDSN Youth.

The event brought together current and former members of the SDSN Youth family to share more about their experiences, learnings, and insights on how they have contributed to the mission of empowering and mobilizing young people worldwide to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These speakers included Dong-real Kang, former Network Coordinator of SDSN Youth Korea and current Network Manager at SDSN Korea; Ana Ynestrillas, former Lead of the Local Pathways Fellowship; Yiannis Stamatonikolos, Regional Focal Point for Europe; and Amer Qawasmi, Mentorship Officer for the Local Pathways Fellowship. 

Leveraging Youth Networks for Action 

The event started by reflecting on the power of leveraging youth networks, such as SDSN Youth, for action. Specifically, the speakers agreed on how the program helped them to create impact in their communities through actionable initiatives. For example, through the youth networks, speakers shared their firsthand experiences of how local challenges can be translated into global policies and discussions, thus showcasing that although it’s an international movement, to achieve the 2030 Agenda, we need to start by localizing sustainability practices.  

One undeniable fact was how, through their actions, they had been able to inspire others and serve as “role models in amplifying youth voices”. Being part of SDSN Youth is clear evidence of the influence of investing in youth. What’s more, based on these experiences, they called for action to further investment, not as a “nice-to-have” but as a fundamental principle to advance and amplify the work of several stakeholders. 

Navigating Barriers and Lessons from the Field

Although the speakers made a powerful impact through their contributions to SDSN Youth throughout the years, they have also faced significant barriers in their advocacy. Among these barriers are demonstrating credibility with measurable impact, creating long-lasting alliances, the lack of funding and resources, and the lack of proper recognition for youth-led actions.  

When asked about what young people can do to take down these barriers, the panelists reflected on the lessons they learned throughout their time. For instance, enabling a safe environment for young people to try different ideas, get peer support and mentorship, and be exposed to other perspectives is crucial to advancing and recognizing youth as key stakeholders in sustainable development. Inclusivity, diversity, and awareness were also values that were spotlighted through this reflection. And most importantly, if we want to build a prosperous and sustainable future, we need to start building meaningful coalitions and alliances that are intergenerational. 

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Looking Ahead: Continuing Youth Empowerment with the New Generations

After reflecting on past experiences and current challenges, it was time to focus on the future. With 5 years remaining of the 2030 Agenda, it’s more important than ever to leverage the talent of as many people as possible, regardless of their age. But especially significant is the role of the new generations, as they are the ones who will be living with the decisions being made today. 

With this in mind, speakers were asked what advice they have for the next generation and how organizations such as SDSN Youth can serve as a space to help them achieve their mission. For Yiannis, it was clear, “you need to be unapologetically ambitious, but strategically collaborative”. Seeking partnerships and working together with others is essential. “Consistent small steps can make a great impact,” said Amer, who advocated for starting small to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the multiple challenges. Ana reiterated the collaborative spirit by saying that “leaning on others and working consistently with others is the key”. Lastly, for Dong-Real, who has been part of SDSN Youth for over eight years and advocating for sustainability policies to become a core component of Korea’s development framework, assured the audience that “patience is key.” 

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As we wrapped up the event and reflected on the 10 years of impact of SDSN Youth, we recognize that this was a celebration of the thousands of young people who have walked through the doors of SDSN Youth, and of the powerful ideas, friendships, and legacies they’ve left behind.

Now, looking at the next 10 years, and with a critical milestone in 2030, let’s ensure we are carrying this legacy forward as a foundation for the next decade of youth action. Because when youth lead, the world doesn’t just change—it transforms.

If you missed this insightful session or would like to revisit the discussion, we invite you to watch the recording here. Let’s continue working together to empower future leaders and drive sustainable development forward!

For collaboration opportunities with SDSN Youth, please reach out to youth@unsdsn.org

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