“Youth Innovation for Sustainable Development: Strengthening Inclusive Technology Ecosystems”
Side Event at the Margins of ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
Date and Time: Wednesday 15, 2026 1- 2 pm
Background and Context
Young people are key drivers of innovation, technological transformation, and sustainable economic development. Across the world, youth-led initiatives, startups, and research projects are developing new technologies and digital solutions that address global challenges ranging from climate resilience to sustainable urban development.
In this context, innovation ecosystems that support youth entrepreneurship and technology development are increasingly recognized as essential components of sustainable development strategies. These ecosystems—comprising research institutions, industry, government support mechanisms, and international cooperation platforms—play a critical role in enabling young innovators to transform ideas into scalable solutions.
This side event places particular emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
- SDG 9 calls for strengthening innovation capacity, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and expanding access to technological infrastructure. Empowering youth innovators is essential to achieving these objectives and building resilient economies.
- SDG 17 highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships and international cooperation in mobilizing knowledge, technology, and financial resources to support sustainable development.
Aligned with these priorities, the event aims to explore how stronger partnerships between governments, international organizations, youth institutions, and the private sector can foster inclusive technology ecosystems that empower young people as innovators and entrepreneurs.
Co-organized by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) and the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, the event will provide a platform to exchange experiences, showcase successful initiatives supporting youth innovation, and identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration in strengthening youth-driven technology ecosystems.
Objectives
- Highlight the critical role of youth innovation in advancing SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
- Promote multi-stakeholder partnerships in line with SDG 17 to support youth-led innovation initiatives.
- Discuss policy frameworks and national strategies that foster inclusive technology ecosystems for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
- Strengthen cooperation between governments, international organizations, and youth networks in promoting youth-driven technological solutions for sustainable development.
Co-Organizers
- Ministry of Industry and Technology of Republic of Türkiye (TBC)
- Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF)
Structure and Format
The side event will consist of welcoming remarks, a keynote intervention, and a moderated panel discussion featuring representatives of government, international organizations, academia, and youth networks. The session will include an interactive segment for questions and comments from participants. A summary of key messages and recommendations will be presented at the conclusion of the event.
Agenda
- Welcoming Remarks:
- H.E. Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology of Repuplic of Türkiye (TBC)
- E. Taha Ayhan, President of ICYF
- Keynote Address:
- H.E. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs (TBC)
- Panel Discussion:
- H.E. Hameed Ajibaiye Opeloyeru, Permanent Observer for OIC to the UN
- H.E.Ahmet Yıldız, Permanent Representative of Republic of Türkiye to the UN (TBC)
- Ms. Dima Al-Khatip, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) (TBC)
- Mr. Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) (TBC)
- Jeanne Gonelle, Youth Advocate, McGill Youth Advisory Delegation
- Young Entrepreneurs from ICYF Incubation Center Network
- Moderator:
- Sinan Karsiyaka, Director at ICYF Secretariat
- Interactive Q&A Session: Open forum for audience engagement, sharing insights, and providing recommendations.
- Closing Summary and Summary
The event will be open to all delegations, civil society representatives, and interested stakeholders. Subject to approval, the session will be broadcast through ICYF communication platforms to ensure broad accessibility.
Live Broadcast: Event will be streamed on ICYF’s social media platforms for global accessibility.
Key Discussion Points
- Youth innovation ecosystems and their contribution to sustainable industrial development
- Public policies supporting youth startups and technology entrepreneurship
- Strengthening partnerships between governments, international organizations, and youth institutions
- Access to digital infrastructure and innovation opportunities for young people
- Scaling youth-led technological solutions through international cooperation
Expected Outcomes
- The event aims to generate actionable insights and policy recommendations on strengthening youth innovation ecosystems and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships that support youth-driven technological solutions.
- It will also contribute to broader international discussions on how empowering youth innovators can accelerate progress toward SDG 9 and SDG 17, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
- Open to all participants
For Further Information
Contact Mr. Sinan Karşıyaka
Director at ICYF Secretariat
s.karsiyaka@icyforum.org
