SDSN Youth is calling on leaders and representatives from youth organisations and initiatives to join us in a forum to examine the critical role of young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Youth-led and youth-focused organisations and young individuals across Australia are already making significant contributions to the SDGs, but their assets and unique capabilities are still yet to be recognised, both within the sector and externally. The SDGs need a significant boost of momentum in Australia, and given the creativity, innovative thinking, energy and risk-taking abilities possessed by young people, the potential for youth leadership for the SDGs requires much-needed exploration.

With support from the Foundation for Young Australians and the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, this forum will offer a space for participants to explore why the SDGs are important to young people, why they need to engage with them, and how the sector can deepen their contribution to the SDGs and bring more visibility to the critical role they play in the achievement of the SDGs. Participants will address key questions including:

• Which SDGs are particularly relevant to young people in Australia?
• How does the involvement of young people add value to SDG implementation?
• How can other sectors draw from the capabilities of young people to support their efforts?
• What can young people ask from the government and other sectors to enhance how we contribute to the SDGs?

Participants also have the opportunity to share best practices, learn from the experiences of one another, and establish closer relationships with others in the sector.

The forum seeks to encourage dialogue within the youth sector, promote engagement with other sectors, and facilitate greater youth participation in the delivery of the SDGs. Inputs gathered from the discussions will be used to develop further resources that call attention to the significance of youth in SDG implementation, and identifies key areas where we can engage more closely with other actors to maximise our impact.

Doors open at 9:30am. Food and drinks will be provided throughout the day.

About SDSN Youth

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Youth's (SDSN Youth) mission is to empower youth globally to create sustainable solutions. Through education and cooperation it aims to amplify the tremendous energy and capabilities of young people in generating broader buy-in for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDSN Youth in the Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific is hosted by the Monash Sustainable Development Institute at Monash University. It has previously co-hosted the National Youth Summit, convened the Youth consultations for Australia's Voluntary National Review, and made an input to the Senate Inquiry on the SDGs.