By Hein (Ray) Oo
YMCA of Greater New York
Last week, the United Nations Headquarters in New York City buzzed with energy, ideas and hope as it welcomed the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025 – the largest global gathering of young leaders. I was proud to represent the YMCA Movement at the Forum, and I left more inspired than ever by what young people can do when we’re trusted to lead.
Young people leading global change
This forum isn’t just a once-a-year event – it’s part of an ongoing global movement for change. It’s one that recognizes young people not as the leaders of tomorrow but as the leaders of today. The world has 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24, the largest generation in history. Our stories, ideas and struggles all matter in shaping the global response to the biggest challenges of our time.
I was honoured to share these messages in several spaces: the main ECOSOC Forum, UNICEF’s Youth in Action event with Gen U, and a ministerial gathering hosted by the UN Youth Office. Each time I spoke, I carried with me the voices of the YMCA youth community, especially those facing challenges like migration, job insecurity and exclusion from decisions that directly impact their lives.
Shaping the SDG agenda
One highlight was speaking during the session on Youth Perspectives on Regional Development – Challenges, Priorities, and Actions for the SDGs, where I focused on the importance of addressing humanitarian crises and the need for strong, justice-centered partnerships. I also had the wonderful opportunity to coordinate two plenary sessions at the main forum: SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 17 (Partnerships).
The SDG 8 plenary, “Ensuring Decent Work and Economic Opportunities for Youth,” highlighted transformative youth-led initiatives and multi-stakeholder efforts to improve job prospects for young people, especially those from vulnerable communities. The session featured interactive discussions among youth advocates, ministers, and UN officials, emphasizing inclusive labor markets and stronger partnerships to scale up decent work opportunities globally.
The SDG 17 plenary, “Partnerships and Financing for Youth – Unlocking the Potential of the Green Economy,” focused on how cross-sector collaboration and innovative financing can expand youth access to green jobs and training. The session showcased youth-led solutions and partnerships, highlighting young people as leaders and beneficiaries in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
From voice to agency
These weren’t just panel talks or symbolic interventions but authentic conversations that sparked new ideas and actionable plans.
As someone deeply involved in human rights work, I’ve seen how youth voices are often treated as representative. But we truly need agency – the ability to influence decisions, access resources, and act. This forum reminded me that young people aren’t waiting to be given a seat at the table; we’re already building our own tables and inviting others to join us.
At the YMCA, our Vision 2030 is rooted in this belief. We empower young people to shape the world around them through education, employment, civic engagement, planetary health, and wellbeing. We believe in youth-powered development, and we’re living it every day.
One message that stayed with me throughout the forum was from Rachael Rinaldo of YMCA of Greater New York: “Keep following your heart! You’re what this world needs.”
To all the changemakers out there:
- Trust your instincts. Your passions, values, and inner voice aren’t random. They’re your compass. Follow them.
- Stay true to your purpose. The work you’re doing and the path you’re walking – even when it feels complex or slow – matters. Keep going.
- You are enough. Right now. You don’t have to wait to be more “qualified” or more confident to make a difference. The world needs your voice, your story and your leadership just as you are.
The message is clear: the time for youth leadership is now. The world needs intergenerational cooperation. And it needs leaders bold enough to trust young people.
The YMCA operates in over 100 countries, helping young people lead change in their communities. Want to be part of something bigger?
Join us. Let’s build the world we deserve, together.
