The United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2026 concluded yesterday in New York. The three-day event ran from April 14 to April 16 at the UN Headquarters. It brought together young leaders, policymakers, and global stakeholders. Ultimately, the forum serves as a premier platform to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This year, the forum focused on accelerating youth-led solutions. Participants aligned their discussions strictly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, they heavily emphasized inclusive growth, climate action, and digital transformation. They also advocated for meaningful youth participation in global policymaking.
UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026: Pakistan’s Active Role & Key Engagements
Pakistan sent a dynamic youth delegation to the event. Pakistan was prominently represented by a youth delegation selected as per the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), under the leadership of Mr Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, the Chairman of PMYP. The delegation included Mr. Amsal Zaman, Ms. Bisma Qamar, Mr. Fakhar Jabran, Mr. Fsahat ul Hassan, and Mr. Rahim Sattar. Furthermore, officials from the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN, including Counsellor Ms. Saima Saleem, supported them.
Throughout the event, the Pakistani delegates demonstrated exceptional engagement. They actively participated in high-level plenary sessions. Furthermore, they contributed to thematic side events and moderated various parallel discussions. The team also held productive bilateral and multilateral meetings.
They interacted directly with the President of the ECOSOC Youth Forum, senior leadership from the UN Youth Office, and the President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF). Additionally, they met the Youth Minister of Zambia and counterpart delegates from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, and France. These interactions successfully fostered international collaboration and the exchange of best practices.
Strengthening International Ties
On the sidelines, H.E. Mr. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad hosted a welcome dinner for the PMYP delegation. He serves as the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations. Dr. Shabana Saleem, Director General (Population) at the Ministry of National Health Services, attended the gathering. Senior officials, including Mr. Usman Jadoon, Ms. Saima Saleem, Mr. Rashid, and Mr. Imran, also joined the dinner.
Consequently, this active participation highlights Pakistan’s strong commitment to empowering its young people. The delegation successfully ensured Pakistan’s meaningful inclusion in the global development discourse and reinforced the country’s proactive role in international cooperation.
