This year, the World Youth Development Forum was held under the theme, “Unleash Youth Potential for Global Development,” spearheaded by the All-China Youth Federation, a leading global platform for advancing youth development and strengthening international cooperation.
This forum brought together youth from across the globe to promote innovation and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development from 14 -20 July 2025, hosted in Suzhou and Changsha, China. Nembo Ekong was among other Cameroonian youth leaders representing Rural and Urban Grassroots Business Women Association, a member organisation of Menengage Cameroon.
“This was a good forum for exchange. I was able to learn about using digital innovation and technology to promote girls’ education. I met new people with transformative perspectives for making education accessible. I am more determined to keep up with my community engagements towards quality education.” said Ekong.
Launched in 2022, the WYDF reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and multilateral cooperation while focusing on the following thematics designed to inspire youth-led initiatives, partnerships and strategies aligned with the SDGs:
- Education
- Health
- Employment
- Environmental protection
- Digital inclusion
- Climate action and leadership development
Ekong presented her project on promoting education for displaced girls in the Lebialem and Nde Divisions in the Southwest and West regions, respectively. The project is aimed at supporting inclusive and equitable education for vulnerable girls. She shares insights on this initiative “This project is located mostly in conflict-affected and remote communities where access to education is challenging. With the goal to increase inclusive education, we have donated school materials, paid school fees for girls to return to school, and engaged in community dialogue to ensure support for girls’ education. So far, we have reached over 500 girls, and our joy is to see them attain their potential.’’
In Suzhou, opening speeches, keynote addresses, and discussions highlighted youth empowerment, international cooperation and innovation. A key outcome document during this forum focused on youth inclusion in policymaking in sectors like technology, health, education, climate change, science and culture, emphasising the key role that youth innovation plays in bringing about sustainable change and inclusive educational opportunities. The forum launched the thematic clusters, each tackling a specific global development area:
- Poverty Alleviation & Food Security
- Future-Oriented Digital Technology
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water and Life on Land
- Green Development
- Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education
- Youth Leadership Development
- Health and Well-Being of Youth
- Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship
- Partnership for the Goals
Each cluster presented its vision and action plans to support youth driven solutions for sustainable development.
The World Youth Development Forum is a platform for young people to contribute to global development, announced by President Xi Jinping in 2022. It supports young engagement and leverages on their unique strengths to advance the UN 2030 Agenda. The forum attracts thousands of youth representatives from over 100 countries each year, providing a broad platform for young people worldwide to exchange ideas and share practices. It has achieved positive outcomes in leading international youth agendas, advocating for global youth action, and promoting global and youth development.
