Are you a young changemaker from Asia or the Pacific passionate about sustainable development, climate action, and human rights? The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2026 is now accepting applications!

Taking place from 18–20 February 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, this hybrid forum (in-person and online) offers an extraordinary opportunity for young people aged 13–30 to engage with regional and global leaders on the implementation and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Organized by ARROW, Youth LEAD, YPEER Asia-Pacific Center, and partners including UNDP, YECAP, and UN ESCAP, the forum aims to amplify youth voices in shaping the future of sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific.

About the APFSD Youth Forum

The APFSD Youth Forum is an annual convening designed to ensure young people’s perspectives and lived experiences are meaningfully represented in sustainable development discussions.

Each year, hundreds of youth delegates gather to review regional progress, identify gaps and challenges, and develop a Youth Call to Action that feeds directly into major global processes such as:

• The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD)
• The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)
• The ECOSOC Youth Forum
• The UN Water Conference
• The SDG Summit 2027

Since its inception in 2017, the APFSD Youth Forum has engaged 400–500 young participants annually, empowering them to contribute to inclusive, equitable, and innovative development across the region.

Theme for 2026: “Transformative, Equitable, Innovative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda”

The APFSD Youth Forum 2026 will focus on advancing transformative, inclusive, and youth-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Participants will discuss how to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through collaboration, innovation, and justice-oriented action.

The forum will center on the following SDGs under review for 2026:

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 13: Climate Action

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Why You Should Apply

By participating in the APFSD Youth Forum 2026, you will:

• Engage with peers and policymakers from across Asia and the Pacific
• Share experiences and youth-led initiatives addressing SDGs
• Present research or programs through the Call for Abstracts
• Influence the regional Youth Call to Action 2026
• Connect with UN agencies, civil society, and youth networks
• Gain visibility for your work at regional and global levels
• Limited funding support is available for selected participants to attend in person.

Call for Abstracts

The Call for Abstracts is open for submissions related to the SDGs under review. Submissions can include research, project implementation, advocacy initiatives, or youth-led programs.

Applicants submitting an abstract must also complete the general Call for Applications form.

Topics include:

• Climate action and environmental sustainability
• Gender equality and human rights
• Health and well-being
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
• Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE)
• Decent work and partnerships for sustainable development

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Aged 13–30 years (born on or after 21 February 1996)
• Resident of a country in the Asia-Pacific region
• Committed to human rights-based approaches
• Demonstrated engagement with SDG-related initiatives
• Understanding of SDG implementation at national or regional levels
• Applications from marginalised or socially excluded communities are strongly encouraged
• Priority consideration for individuals who participated in previous APFSD Youth Forums or intergovernmental APFSD sessions

Important Details

Forum Dates: 18–20 February 2026

Format: Hybrid (Bangkok + Virtual)

Working Language: English

Interpretation: Available upon request

Parental Consent: Required for participants under 18

Deadline: 16 November 2025, 11:59 PM (Thailand Time)

What Happens After the Forum?

The APFSD Youth Forum 2026 Outcomes — including the Youth Call to Action — will feed into several key global and regional processes such as the 13th APFSD, HLPF 2026, ECOSOC Youth Forum, and the UN Water Conference 2026.

These outcomes will also guide national-level youth advocacy, ensuring young voices continue to shape sustainable development policies across Asia and the Pacific.

If you are passionate about sustainability, equity, and youth empowerment, this is your chance to be heard on the global stage.

Deadline: November 16, 2025 | 11:59 PM (BKK Time)
Apply here: Application

For more information: Arrow.org

For more opportunities: Opportunities for Youth