Source: Government of South Africa
Deputy Minister Letsike arrives in New York for ECOSOC Youth Forum
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has arrived in New York to participate in the 2026 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum.
In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said the forum will take place from 14 to 16 April 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters.
The forum, convened by the ECOSOC, serves as a global platform bringing together young leaders, policymakers and development partners to discuss innovative, youth-led solutions to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
South Africa’s participation in platforms such as the ECOSOC Youth Forum aims to strengthen youth voices and promote policies on skills development, youth employment and entrepreneurship support.
According to the department, this aligns with the country’s National Youth Policy, which seeks to advance inclusive youth empowerment.
Speaking upon her arrival in New York, Deputy Minister Letsike said South Africa’s participation underscores its commitment to ensuring that young people are represented in global decision-making processes.
“South Africa will participate in the United Nations Youth Forum 2026, also known as ECOSOC, convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Council…The ECOSOC Youth Forum is a global platform where young people engage directly with the global leaders to shape solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.
“It places youth at the centre of decision making, while driving actions towards achieving the sustainable development goals and holding governments accountable,” Letsike said.
She added that the forum represents a shift towards more inclusive governance.
“ECOSOC Youth Forum is a direct line of sight to power. It embodies a shift in global governance towards participatory, inclusive and intergenerational decision making.
“Through the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with disabilities, our government continues to prioritise youth development by expanding access to skills, supporting entrepreneurship and creating pathways to employment,” she said.
Letsike emphasised that the country’s participation reflects South Africa’s commitment to building multilateral cooperation grounded in solidarity and shared responsibility.
“It affirms our belief that challenges facing humanity cannot be solved in isolation. We are a nation that works for all. Let us ensure that no young person is left behind,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
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