2026 HLPF Side Event: Youth Voices for a Sustainable Future

On July 8, 2026, the Congregation of Jesus participated in an Official Side Event during the 2026 United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF), organized by the IBVM/CJ NGO at the United Nations in collaboration with the Mary Ward Centre. Young leaders from Australia, the Philippines, India, Spain, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe shared how SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17 shape the lives of people in their communities.

Accompanying young people has always been central to the mission of the Congregation of Jesus. Inspired by Mary Ward, our ministries seek not only to educate but also to help young people find their voice, grow in confidence, and contribute to the future of their communities.

The discussion focused on issues that affect everyday life. Access to clean water and sanitation is essential for health and human dignity. Affordable and clean energy helps build resilient communities while caring for creation. Innovation and resilient infrastructure create opportunities for education, employment, and economic participation. Sustainable cities and communities encourage places where everyone can belong, while partnerships remind us that none of these goals can be achieved alone.

What made the conversation especially meaningful was hearing these priorities through the eyes of young people. Rather than speaking only about global challenges, they shared stories from their own communities, practical recommendations, and a hopeful vision for the future. The programme also featured a moving spoken word performance by Jaden (Zimbabwe), reminding us that stories can inspire action just as powerfully as statistics.

We are grateful to our co-sponsors and partners—the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate, Maryknoll Sisters, The Grail, the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, the Dominican Leadership Conference, the Justice Coalition of Religious, the JPIC Office (Spain), and the Mary Ward Centre (Toronto)—for making this event possible. Together, we continue Mary Ward's tradition of listening, accompanying young people, and creating opportunities for them to lead with faith, courage, and hope.

Watch the recording of the Official Side Event and discover how young leaders are contributing to the future of sustainable development.

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