ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM

Trustee and Former Director of Forced to Flee Navin Vithana's reflections on his speech at the UN's ECOSOC Forum

A Vision Realised: Speaking at the United Nations 

Last week, I had the incredible honour of delivering an intervention at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Speaking at the UN has been a dream of mine since high school and being there, on that platform, was deeply surreal. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and affirmation. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and I finally feel like I’m stepping into the space I always knew I wanted - and needed - to be in.

My speech focused on the power young people hold - our capacity to lead, to innovate, and to drive real, lasting change. I spoke about the importance of intergenerational collaboration and called on those in positions of decision-making power to truly engage with youth, not just as beneficiaries, but as equal partners.

What made the experience even more powerful was the energy of the incredible young people I met. Every single one of them is pouring their time and passion into meaningful causes. Their drive was infectious, and it’s given me even more motivation to keep pushing forward in my own advocacy.

Finally, I was so proud to be representing Forced To Flee, the youth-led non-profit I serve as Managing Director, which is dedicated to refugee advocacy and championing the voices of forcibly displaced people. I must also say a huge thank you to Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) for organising such an impactful forum and for giving me the opportunity to speak on this global stage.