(Photo by United Nations Development Program via Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Every year, representatives from around the world—including government officials, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, youth, and other advocates—meet in New York for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). They come together to review progress on the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, a global plan that includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to build a better, more sustainable future for everyone. 

Over the past two weeks, we have been on the ground at the UN Headquarters in New York on behalf of Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC), a youth-led, non-governmental organization that facilitates the engagement of Canadian youth in international discussions.

This year’s HLPF marked the 10th anniversary of the 2030 Agenda. The Forum focused on five key goals:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality.
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. 
  • SDG 14: Life Below Water.
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

We have been amplifying the perspectives, knowledge, and experiences of our communities in these spaces where youth perspectives remain underrepresented but deeply necessary. This piece highlights what we brought to the UN, what we heard, and what we’re taking home to advance change in Canada.

(Photos courtesy of the Canadian Youth Delegation to the UN HLPF 2025)

Reflections from the Delegation

Sarah Leshob (Head Delegate) – As a medical student, I’ve often seen health through a clinical lens. But attending the United Nations HLPF 2025 shifted that perspective. It showed me how closely health is connected to policy, equity, and sustainability. Representing Canadian youth, I had the chance to amplify the voices of young people advocating for health equity while also bringing a scientific perspective to the table.

One moment that really stayed with me was during a joint UNFPA-WHO session. Leaders spoke with so much conviction about making sure that the progress of one generation doesn’t come at the expense of another. It reminded me why youth voices matter in these global spaces. 

At the same time, I noticed that many youth-led events, while full of passion and creativity, lacked real intergenerational dialogue. Too often, we were speaking to each other rather than to decision-makers, which limited the impact of what we were trying to say. Even so, seeing so many inspiring young people in action gave me hope. 

What I’m bringing home is not just inspiration but a stronger sense of responsibility. I want to share what I learned and continue building connections with the incredible young advocates I met. Together, I believe we can help shape a future rooted in equity, collaboration, and courage.

Catherine Ampleman-Duchesne (EDI Coordinator) – Representing a wide range of regional, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, our team ensured that different perspectives shaped both our engagement and advocacy throughout the Forum. For me, my background in political science and international relations allowed me to take a critical look at the proceedings of the high-level political forum. 

I was pleased to see Member States working together to achieve the 2030 Agenda and to have attended the official meetings and debates. We had the chance to meet many diplomats and to hear their thoughts on topics that some other Member States may consider controversial. It was fascinating to watch how Member States navigate the UN ecosystem. 

From meeting other youth delegates and stakeholders, I come back from this experience with the certainty that speaking up is the most important thing that youth can do for a better future. Our voices cannot be silenced: we have our place in international fora. It may be intimidating at first, but we are the leaders of today, not just tomorrow.

Nathanael Ip (Communication Coordinator) – Driven by the fundamental connection between equity and youth health, my advocacy centred on advancing SDGs 3 (health) and 5 (gender equality). Through nationwide consultations with young Canadians from diverse backgrounds, we amplified their lived experience—from mental health service deserts in rural areas to systemic barriers in access to culturally-relevant care. Whether advocating for youth-led mental health support to culturally-grounded healthcare systems, we ensured Canada’s youth voices shaped global health equity discussions. 

At the forum, we heard grave concerns about the weakening of multilateralism, with rising isolationism undermining global cooperation on critical issues like public health. Yet, alongside these challenges, I was inspired by the innovative solutions led by young people worldwide, from digital mental health platforms to platforms grounding AI in the essential humanity of compassion. 

Returning home, I’m inspired to advance change by integrating these global lessons into local advocacy, pushing for equitable health policies, and amplifying youth-led solutions. This experience reaffirmed that while collective action faces threats, young people remain at the forefront of building a healthier, more just future.

Esther Chiamaka Kucheli Nnorom (Engagement Coordinator) – Given my experience as a youth leader and having spearheaded nonprofit organizations that are driven towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), my attendance at the UN High-Level Political Forum as a youth delegate was shaped by my passion for youth advocacy, sustainable development, and genuine inclusion, especially as a grassroots changemaker. 

My belief remains deeply rooted in the essence of active participation of youth in driving sustainable development. In my role, I prioritized connecting youth delegates directly with policymakers to ensure that diverse voices are not only heard but are also actively integrated into high-level discussions. The vitality of youth leadership in fostering continuity and sustainability while ensuring that critical initiatives and legacies endure was emphasized on my end. 

Engaging with global youth representatives enlightened me about the universal importance of solidarity and intersectionality in tackling complex issues such as climate action and social justice. I also advocated for the creation of accessible, inclusive spaces for elevating youth from marginalized communities. This affirmed my conviction that equitable participation is not optional, it is indeed necessary. Being a witness and a participant of the global collaboration at the UN not only renewed my hope but also strengthened my commitment to advancing authentic, sustainable youth engagement in Canada as a vital force for driving impactful and lasting change.

Young People: Leaders of Today

Participating at the HLPF has been equal levels of privilege and responsibility. As we return to share all that we have learnt with our communities, we will be reflecting on a meaningful youth engagement beyond tokenism, moving beyond dialogue to implementation, and centring conversations around those who have historically been most pushed to the margins. 

As the 2030 deadline rapidly approaches, one key anecdote will guide our work: Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but equally the leaders of today. Therefore, we urgently call on those in positions of power to not only consult us, but also to collaborate with us as colleagues in shaping our shared future.

Edited by Light Naing