Muhammad Shehzad Khan, President of The Youth Council Pakistan, made a powerful intervention on the theme “Youth in Governance: Driving Climate and Gender Action through Digital Inclusion and Partnerships” during a high-level side event at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2025.
Speaking to the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025, Shehzad Khan emphasized the pivotal role of young people in shaping inclusive, climate-resilient futures. He highlighted Pakistan’s youth as a dynamic force for positive change, especially in addressing the interlinked challenges of climate change, gender inequality, and digital exclusion.
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“The voices of youth, particularly from the Global South, must not just be heard—they must be integrated into global decision-making structures,” Shehzad Khan asserted. “Through digital innovation, cross-sector partnerships, and youth-led governance models, we can achieve tangible progress on climate justice and gender equity in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
He also spotlighted Youth Council Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives that empower young changemakers, promote digital literacy, and foster inclusive platforms for marginalized communities. He called for strengthened international partnerships to scale these efforts and ensure equitable access to technology, leadership spaces, and climate resources for all.
Shehzad Khan’s intervention resonated strongly with participants and reinforced the message that youth are not just stakeholders—but key actors in governance and sustainable development.
The session concluded with a call to action for governments, multilateral bodies, and civil society to invest in youth capacity, close the digital divide, and adopt youth-inclusive policies to accelerate progress on climate and gender goals globally.
