United Nations Economic and Social Council

Global disruptions in energy & supply flows are impacting development, trade, food security & economies worldwide.

On 15 May 2026, the United Nations Economic and Social Council convenes a Special Meeting at UN Headquarters to advance international cooperation, support global development and strengthen global resilience. ➡️ bit.ly/4tBJkjf

The Presidents of the UN General Assembly and United Nations Economic and Social Council co-convened a Joint Special Meeting under the theme “From Digital Inclusion to Innovation: Advancing Science, Technology and Youth Entrepreneurship for Development.”

We discussed rising inequalities, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change risk widening global divides. With 2.7B still offline and growing AI gaps, we must shift from access to empowerment- advancing digital inclusion, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and enabling youth to drive inclusive and resilient economies. 🔗bit.ly/4ndr91B

The President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock are organizing today a Joint Special Meeting “From Digital Inclusion to Innovation: Advancing Science, Technology and Youth Entrepreneurship for Development”.

The meeting will focus on science, technology and innovation for development. It will promote multi-stakeholder partnerships while amplifying youth voices as drivers of sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. 🔗 bit.ly/digital-to-innovation

Youth are essential to building a fairer, more sustainable world.

This week, young activists & advocates from across the globe are at UNHQ for the Forum - sharing their views & shaping solutions for a better future for all.

https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/ecosoc-youth-forum/about-youth-forum/ecosoc-youth-forum-2026

I was delighted today to host the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum and meet young people coming from around the world. I stressed that:

“We gather at a moment of profound global challenges. Amid these challenges, young people stand not only as those most affected, but also as indispensable agents of change. Across communities and sectors, young people are not only advancing solutions but actively shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for all.”

Their leadership, innovation, and determination are essential as we accelerate progress toward the . Let us continue to Innovate, Unite, and Transform - placing youth at the center of a more sustainable, just, and peaceful future for all.

Today, young people will gather at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum to share their perspectives, passion, and expertise with the world.

💡 The world’s toughest challenges deserve its freshest thinking.

The Forum is where it all comes together.

➡️ Engage: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/ecosoc-youth-forum/about-youth-forum/ecosoc-youth-forum-2026

In just two weeks, young people from around the world will come together at the ECOSOC Youth Forum (14–16 April) to be part of the solutions to our world’s most pressing challenges.

🤝 Get involved: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/ecosoc-youth-forum/about-youth-forum/ecosoc-youth-forum-2026

📢 Happening in 3 weeks!

Young people from all over the world are gathering at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum to shape policy, share solutions and drive action on the .

🪑 And this is your seat at the table.

Join us: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/ecosoc-youth-forum/about-youth-forum/ecosoc-youth-forum-2026

🔔 It's that time of year again!

We're just 1️⃣ month away from the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum!

Count down with us towards the biggest UN gathering of bold young minds.

Get a sneak peak: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/ecosoc-youth-forum/about-youth-forum/ecosoc-youth-forum-2026

On International Women’s Day 2026 ( ), women’s rights mean nothing if we cannot defend them.

Women and girls have just 64% of the legal rights of men.

When justice fails, women pay the price.

Without justice, rights are just words.
With justice, rights become power.

, we’ll never back down.

Rights. Justice. Action.✊

🔗 unwo.men/8mOM50YqGZU