The multidimensional impact and intensification of already existing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic on youth over the past two years has been widely discussed in various of ECLAC’s studies and seminars: gaps in access to education and school dropout, employability, mental health due to extensive periods of confinement, perspectives on the future, further marginalization of young women, among others. These circumstances surely put current and future children and youth at risk, generations that have a critical role in the attainment of the 2030 Agenda in the region and in the recovery process.

Towards the 2022 ECOSOC Youth Forum, a series of activities are being delivered to extend the dialogue with and for youth in Latin America and the Caribbean so as to create further opportunities to gather their opinions, expertise, and recommendations on the five SDGs under review at the next High-Level Political Forum, namely SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

DRAFT PROGRAMME

Wednesday 20 April 2022

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (GMT-4)

11:30 am -11:35 am - Welcome and introduction

11:35 am- 11:55 am - Presentation of the outcomes of the Caribbean Dialogue Sessions

During this segment, the outcomes from the previous consultative processes and youth recommendations will be presented

Quality and Inclusive Education in the Caribbean

Gender perspectives in the recovery process post-COVID-19

The role of youth in Caribbean blue futures – targeting SDG 14

11:55 am- 12:10 pm - Discussions

12.10 pm- 12:55 pm - The way forward

This segment would focus on participants’ recommendations and inputs (using 3/4 guidance discussion questions)

12:55 pm - 1:00 pm Conclusions