Report

Fifth International Youth Forum (IYF 5.0) at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok

Overview

The Fifth International Youth Forum (IYF 5.0) was successfully held on 21-22 August 2025 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC), Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme "Empowering Youth for a Sustainable and Just Future."

Jointly organized by the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) and the International Youth Forum (IYF), the forum brought together more than 600 delegates from 62 countries, including diplomats, policymakers, academics, business leaders, youth representatives, and civil society organizations.

Day 1 Highlights

The forum opened with a welcome by Emcee Miss Shakshi Lamsal of Nepal, followed by opening remarks from Mr. Rahul K. C. and Dr. Datchanamoorthy Ramu, Co-Founders of IYF. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chair of IYF 2025 and Chairman of SRM Group.

A special address featured Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the United Nations, and Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, President of Youth for Human Rights International. Guest of Honour addresses were delivered by diplomats and officials representing Azerbaijan, Egypt, Ireland, Pakistan, Mexico, Bangladesh, Sweden, Portugal, Kenya, Italy, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand.

Keynote speakers including Mrs. Nurul Ilham Anwar, Dr. Masanori Kondo, Hon. Mr. Aslam Perwaiz, Mr. Vikram Cotah, Mr. Jose Charles Martin, and Mr. Alexander Rendell addressed major issues spanning education, entrepreneurship, climate action, and innovation.

Thematic Panels

• Inclusive Cities, Informed Citizens: Empowering Human Rights through Education, Law, and Local Governance
• Youth and AI for Good: Empowering the Next Generation to Drive Ethical Innovation for Human Rights and Sustainable Development
• Accelerating Gender Equality: Policies and Actions for SDG Success
• Adapting Ambitions: Climate Change, Education and Career Futures for Youth in the Global South

Day 2 Highlights

Impact and Significance

IYF 5.0 created a vibrant platform for policy dialogue, youth leadership, and multilateral collaboration, directly engaging United Nations agencies, embassies, civil society leaders, and young changemakers.

A landmark achievement of this edition was the participation of six Government School students from Tamil Nadu, India, who, for the first time, attended a United Nations conference. Their presence represented a powerful step toward inclusivity and youth empowerment.

Key Outcomes

• More than 600 delegates from 62 countries participated in the forum.
• Youth leaders, policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and civil society representatives shared practical ideas and policy perspectives.
• The IYF Youth Declaration was formally adopted as a collective statement of youth commitment and action.
• The forum strengthened collaboration between youth voices and multilateral institutions.

Reflection

Dr. Datchanamoorthy Ramu, Co-Founder of IYF and President of the Sustainable Development Council, reflected that IYF 5.0 showed how youth, when given a global stage, do more than speak of hope. They drive concrete solutions for peace, human rights, and sustainability, shaping commitments that can extend well beyond the halls of the United Nations.

Conclusion

The success of the International Youth Forum 5.0 demonstrates the growing importance of empowering youth voices in shaping the future of our world. With strong participation from United Nations agencies, global experts, and youth leaders, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable and just future through youth leadership and partnership.