BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:unctad.org BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6a721e149509e DTSTART:20251023T093000Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE DTEND:20251023T110000Z LOCATION:Geneva\, Switzerland SUMMARY:5th UNCTAD Youth Forum (Final session) CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:Shaping the future of trade and developmentThe world is in flux . Digital transformation\, environmental crises and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the global economy. At a time when traditional systems are b eing questioned and reimagined\, young people – with their energy\, crea tive spirit and instinct for innovation – have the potential to be power ful agents of change and find solutions to build a more inclusive and sust ainable future.Across regions\, youth are using digital tools\, artificial intelligence and climate-smart technologies to launch start-ups\, develop scalable solutions and tackle systemic challenges. The creativity of youn g people fosters new entrepreneurship and employment\, particularly in und erserved communities. Inclusive digital ecosystems\, youth skill developme nt and innovation hubs can unlock youth-led innovation for sustainable gro wth.Finance is key to building youth-inclusive\, green and innovation-driv en economies\, enabling opportunities in education and employment. By alig ning finance with inclusive development goals\, economies can become more resilient\, equitable and responsive to the aspirations of younger generat ions.As part of the fifth UNCTAD Youth Forum\, these discussions will offe r a space for an intergenerational dialogue on youth empowerment and bring together young people from around the world.ProgrammePanel 1. Harnessing youth innovation: Technology as a driver of economic transformation in log istics and beyondHow is artificial intelligence reshaping logistics\, and what are the opportunities for youth?What barriers do young innovators fac e to entering the logistics technology space?What skills are most critical for youth to thrive in this evolving sector?How can education and industr y better collaborate to support youth- led innovation?Panel 2. Shaping inc lusive economies: Financing opportunities for youth and innovationHow can finance be better directed towards sectors that create meaningful opportun ities for youth?What role can innovative instruments\, such as blended fin ance and youth-focused investment vehicles\, play in mobilizing capital fo r youth-inclusive and green transformation?How can policymakers and financ ial institutions ensure that finance systems are aligned with the aspirati ons of younger generations and responsive to future development needs?Pres entation of UNCTAD Youth Action Hubs – think global\, act local.Moderato r: To be confirmedThe 5th UNCTAD Youth Forum will take place in Geneva\, S witzerland\, from 20 to 23 October 2025 as part of the 16th quadrennial co nference of UNCTAD.A series of events for youth will take place in Room 20 0 of the H Building at the Palais des Nations\, with an additional event j ointly organized with WIPO scheduled for the afternoon of 21 October.A Dia logue with Youth will be held on 22 October in Room IX\, culminating in th e final session of the Youth Forum in the Assembly Hall on 23 October. You th may also participate in Roundtables and Parallel events.For further inf ormation\, download the full programmeParticipation and RegistrationYouth wishing to participate must go through an application process. Only those who have been formally selected and invited to participate in UNCTAD 16 an d the Youth Forum are requested to register online for the Conference.Fina l confirmation of participation will be subject to approval by the UNCTAD secretariat.Participation criteriaUNCTAD will pre-select forum participant s who should meet the following criteria:Be between the ages of 18 and 30. Be able to speak and understand English.Have experience (from studies or w ork) in the areas of UNCTAD’s work/focus. Evidence of projects related t o trade and development (academic and professional) will be considered as experience in the field.Have applied to participate with a supporting vide oHave met the above criteria and have been selected for participation\, ha ving received a registration link to the Youth Forum.FundingParticipants a re expected to identify their own sources of funding for participation.For more information\, see: How to apply for the 5th UNCTAD Youth ForumApplic ation formEnquiries should be sent to: unctadyouth@unctad.orgmailto:unctad youth@unctad.org\n\nView meeting on unctad.org\nhttps://unctad.org/unctad1 6/youth-forum DTSTAMP:20260804T171500Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR