Economic and Social Council Youth Forum

“COVID-19 recovery: Youth taking action for a sustainable future” 

“From grassroots to global: Young people as the SDGs ambassadors at local level”

18 April 2022, 11am (New York time)

REGISTER HERE

ZOOM

Registration deadline: 17 of April 2022, COB. Event will be held via Zoom. Meeting link will be send to registrated participants.

LANGUAGE OF THE EVENT: English

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SIDE EVFENT

Young people embrace SDGs stronger than other social groups because they will have to live in the future defined by today’s actions. Therefore, it is not surprising that young people have become passionate supporters of SDGs worldwide. The SDGs ambassadors in their local communities identify and address challenges, thus contributing to the fulfilment of SDGs globally. There are many invisible peer alliances throughout the world whose dream is to live in a better world.  Some of these young heroes will demonstrate their contribution and thus inspire peers to continue the mission of creating a better world. Young Croatians and their European peers will present local activities and/or plans to fulfil SDGs objectives, primarily in the areas of quality education (SDG4), gender equality (SDG5), life below water (SDG14), life on land (SDG15) and partnerships for the goals (SDG17).

‘SDGs bring Croatian youth together: SDG Ambassadors’ project began in Croatia and has spread to other European countries. A dozen activities have taken place within the project, such as: education camp (100 participants), National Mental Health Conference, United Nations Day celebration, the podcast that brings closer young people and decision-makers.

This side event will present how young people can actively advocate for the above-mentioned SDGs in their local communities. By motivating and empowering young people to advocate for SDGs in their immediate surroundings, positive changes can be accomplished for the local and global community.

PROGRAMME/SPEAKERS

Moderation and Opening: Tanja Herceg, mag. psych., PhD student, Founder and President of the Impress Association, ‘SDGs bring Croatian youth together: SDG Ambassadors’ project author

Opening speech of organizers and guests:

• Permanent Mission of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, New York
• Domagoj Bačić, Special Advisor for Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development in the Government of Croatia

How do SDGs inspire the changemaker generation? Youth’s contribution to a better world.

• SDGs ambassadors from Croatia & Europewide
• Eva Reina, Director of the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA)
• Josip Perkušić, UN Youth Representative from the Republic of Croatia

Perspectives from policy-makers and academia 

• Svjetlana Marijon, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, youth worker, project leader for “Thematic Network for Youth Activation” founded by European Social Fund.
• Josip Burušić, PhD, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Croatian Center of Scientific Excellence for School Effectiveness and Management
• Pavao Škoko-Gavranović, univ. bacc. poll. Youth activist

Q&A and discussion

Conclusion

Dijana Delaye, PhD, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, New York & Tanja Herceg, President of Impress Association for Positive Affirmation of Youth in Society