Youth-Driven Solutions for Advancing Social Development: Perspectives and Contributions of Youth to Accelerate Social Integration

“Youth-Driven Solutions for Advancing Social Development: Perspectives and Contributions of Youth to Accelerate Social Integration”

SOLUTION EVENTS AT THE WORLD SOCIAL SUMMIT 2025

Organized by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), in partnership with KADEM (Women and Democracy Foundation) and McGill Youth Advisory Delegation (MYAD)

Thursday, 06 November 2025 | 11:30AM – 12:45PM (GMT+3)  

1. Background

In an era marked by polarization, economic inequality, and digital echo chambers, youth’s distinctive role in fostering social integration is critical to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Youth hold a pivotal position in rebuilding trust and common ground by connecting across boundaries and reimagining more inclusive societies. Youth are uniquely positioned to bridge divides, challenge entrenched narratives, and build connected spaces both online and offline at the local, national, and global levels.

This side event will underscore the transformative role of young people in promoting sustainable social development through advancing social integration. Providing a platform to youth voice, this event will be bringing together the youth leaders, policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives to announce the youth-driven approaches and solutions. Through meaningful dialogue and collaborative engagement, the event aims to inspire innovative solutions, amplify youth leadership, and foster transformative partnerships—recognizing that young people are the foundation for social stability and actively shaping the path toward more inclusive, equitable, and resilient societies.

2. Objectives of the side event, including relation with the SDGs identified in the Guidelines

• Adress the key social development challenges and opportunities through the world by the perspective of youth
• Showcase the critical role of youth-led action to promote the social cohesion and sustainable development
• Explore the interconnectedness of no poverty (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) in advancing social integration—demonstrating how youth action, strengthened by multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17), can accelerate and sustain progress across these interlinked goals.
• Promote innovative, collaborative youth-led solutions and building transformative multisectoral partnerships3.Programme and names of speakers/panelists

4. Guiding Questions for discussion

1. What are the key barriers hindering social integration—such as polarization, economic inequality, and digital echo chambers—and how can youth contribute solutions to effectively overcome them?
2. How the youth-led initiatives strengthening social cohesion and resilience, and how can young people use their skills to counter polarization and promote constructive dialogue?
3. Which innovative models or success stories demonstrate the transformative power of youth-driven collaborations at local, national, and global levels?
4. How do key SDGs like poverty eradication, education, gender equality, and strong institutions intersect to advance social integration, and what role can youth play in driving equitable and inclusive solutions?
5. How can governments, civil society, and international organizations better support youth-led action at all levels?

5. Venue Address and Registration Link

Venue Adress: The Qatar National Convention Centre