– Palden Wangchuk Dorji, APFSD Youth Forum 2025 Scholar
Since 2022, I’ve had the privilege of attending the APFSD Youth Forum, first online and then in person in 2023. Each year has brought a unique experience and new insights about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in our region to me. What has inspired me the most is witnessing the passion, resilience, and commitment of young leaders across Asia and the Pacific to create a positive impact in their community. Their innovative approaches and tireless efforts remind me that change is not only possible but is already happening in many corners of our region.
The APFSD Youth Forum has been an extraordinary platform for young people to share their initiatives, learn from one another, and gain recognition as changemakers, something that rarely happens. It has been amazing to see youth stepping up, contributing ideas, and working towards progressing the SDGs. This forum is more than a gathering; it’s a testament to the power of youth as catalysts for sustainable development.
This year was particularly special for me as I had the opportunity to also attend the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Intergovernmental Fora. The experience was both enriching and eye-opening.
I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of the SDG agenda, the collective efforts required to achieve it and the systematic issues creating obstacles. While it is true that the deadline for the SDGs is fast approaching, and some goals remain out of reach, I choose to focus on the positives.
Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Every small step taken by governments, organisations, and individuals brings us closer to a more sustainable and equitable future.
What struck me most during the discussions was how optimistic and committed the youths were during the whole event. We didn’t just dwell on the shortcomings but also channeled our energy into finding solutions, building partnerships, and rooting for one another. This collaborative and forward-thinking approach is what gives me hope for our future.
The APFSD Youth Forum 2025 has taught me that youth participation is not just important but it is essential. Young people bring fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and boundless energy to the table. As we come to the deadline of achieving the SDGs, I am scared but I am optimistic more than ever about the future.
