Youth at the Center of Inclusive Social Development: Strengthening Participation and Policy Engagement for Social Justice

Concept Note

Youth at the Center of Inclusive Social Development: Strengthening Participation and Policy Engagement for Social Justice

Side Event at the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64)
Location: Conference Room C, UN Headquarters, New York
Date and Time: 6 February 2026, 4.45-6 PM (GMT-5)

Background and Context

The 64^th session of the Commission for Social Development will convene at a moment when the international community continues to advance the principles of inclusion, equity, and social justice as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The priority theme, Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies, underscores the need for sustained cooperation among governments, international institutions, civil society, and youth.

Across many regions, young people experience barriers in education, employment, digital access, civic engagement, and social protection. These challenges are further intensified for youth who face discrimination, fragile institutional environments, and limited access to participatory platforms. At the same time, youth have demonstrated a remarkable ability to contribute to policy innovation, community resilience, and inclusive development processes.

Guided by the strategic visions of the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), this side event is organized by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) to offer a constructive platform for dialogue on meaningful youth participation in policy making. It seeks to highlight approaches that promote coordinated and inclusive policies, strengthen social justice, and expand opportunities for young people to shape decisions that affect their lives. The event aims to contribute to the broader deliberations of CSocD64 by presenting evidence based perspectives and practical strategies that support empowered youth engagement at local, national, and international levels.

Objectives

Promote Youth Participation in Policy Processes: Explore mechanisms that enable young people to take part in inclusive and coordinated policy making in line with the CSocD64 priority theme.
Support Equitable and Inclusive Social Policies: Identify pathways that reduce inequalities and reinforce social justice through youth centered approaches.
Strengthen Intergovernmental and Multi Stakeholder Cooperation: Encourage collaboration among member states, United Nations entities, regional organizations, and civil society to enhance youth engagement in social development agendas.
Highlight Youth Initiatives and Innovation: Present successful practices that demonstrate how youth leadership contributes to social resilience, community well being, and fair access to opportunities.
Advance Global Commitments to Social Development: Align the outcomes of the discussion with the objectives of the Commission for Social Development and the broader agenda on inclusive and equitable policies.

Co-Organizers

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
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:

– Taha Ayhan, President of ICYF

Keynote Address:

– 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)

– Dana Podmolikova, Project Management Specialist- Youth, UN Alliance of Civilization

– Jeanne Gonelle, Youth Advocate, McGill Youth Advisory Delegation

– Youth Representatives in North America

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.

Guiding Questions

How can youth participation be strengthened in national and international policy making processes to advance social justice and inclusive social development?
What tools or institutional mechanisms can support coordinated and equitable policies that address the needs of diverse youth communities?
How can governments and international organizations work with youth networks to promote innovation and fair access to education, employment, and social protection?
In what ways can regional and cross regional cooperation enhance meaningful youth engagement in shaping social development agendas?
What practices have proven effective in ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in decision making processes at different governance levels?

Expected Outcomes

Increased Awareness: Enhanced recognition of the role of youth participation in advancing social development and social justice.
Policy Recommendations: Practical suggestions for coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies informed by youth perspectives.
Strengthened Partnerships: Broader cooperation among member states, United Nations entities, civil society, and youth organizations.
Youth Empowerment: Greater visibility for youth contributions to inclusive social development and the global pursuit of social justice.
Open to all participants

For Further Information

Contact Mr. Sinan Karşıyaka

Director at ICYF Secretariat

s.karsiyaka@icyforum.org