In the lead-up to the UN Summit of the Future, Sri Lanka has taken a bold step in ensuring that the voices of its youth are heard loud and clear on the global stage. The National Youth Consultation, held with the participation of young leaders from diverse backgrounds, offered a dynamic platform for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue, share their insights, and shape the narrative around key global issues.

This consultation brought together representatives from all regions of the country—urban and rural areas alike—allowing for a wide range of perspectives on topics such as climate change, social inequality, technology, economic justice, gender equality, and peacebuilding. By discussing these urgent global challenges, Sri Lanka’s youth demonstrated their passion, creativity, and commitment to co-creating solutions that can contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.

The Sri Lankan Youth Statement, developed from the collective voice of these young leaders, captures their concerns, ambitions, and proposed solutions. It is not only a call to action but a vision for a future where sustainability, human rights, inclusivity, and innovation are central to decision-making at all levels. The statement reflects the urgency of addressing climate emergencies, tackling widening inequalities, ensuring responsible technological progress, and fostering peace in a rapidly evolving world.

As this powerful statement is presented at the Summit of the Future, it will play a vital role in shaping the global agenda and ensuring that youth perspectives are integral to the decisions that affect our shared future. By amplifying the voices of the next generation, the consultation affirms Sri Lanka’s commitment to youth empowerment and the crucial role young people play in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The National Youth Consultation and the resulting Sri Lankan Youth Statement underscore the importance of youth as changemakers and catalysts for innovation, ensuring their participation in the world’s most significant conversations about our collective future.

The consultation was co-led by UNFPA Sri Lanka with UNDP, UNV and FAO Sri Lanka.