HEAR US NOW: Advancing Inclusion and Justice: Empowering Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) and other marginalised communities, Including Non-Binary Individuals, in SDG 16 and SDG 17

HEAR US NOW: Advancing Inclusion and Justice: Empowering Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) and other marginalised communities, Including Non-Binary Individuals, in SDG 16 and SDG 17

Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development 

SIDE EVENTS AT THE 2025 ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM

1. Background

Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD), including non-binary individuals, have historically faced systemic exclusion, social stigma, and structural inequalities that impact their access to justice (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and their ability to participate in partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals). Discrimination in employment, education, governance, and public services has perpetuated cycles of poverty and denied these communities the fundamental human rights necessary for sustainable development.

Despite global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these communities remain largely invisible in policymaking and program implementation. This side event aims to shed light on their challenges and propose concrete policy interventions to ensure that no one is left behind in the realization of SDG 16 and SDG 17.

2. Objectives of the Side Event

• Raise Awareness: Highlight the systemic discrimination faced by CDWD, including non-binary individuals, and its impact on access to justice and global partnerships.
• Strengthen Policy Advocacy: Advocate for the inclusion of CDWD in national and international SDG strategies, with a focus on justice and participatory governance.
• Facilitate Multi-stakeholder Engagement: Engage youth leaders, policymakers, UN agencies, and civil society actors to co-create solutions for inclusive justice systems and meaningful partnerships.
• Foster Youth Participation: Empower young people from CDWD backgrounds, including non-binary individuals, to share their experiences and shape policy recommendations.

3. Programme and Speakers/Panelists

Opening Remarks:

• MGCY Representative
• Africa Youth Expert- Alima Taal, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent

Panel Discussion:

• Moderator: Naveen Kumar Gautam(DWD Focal Point-MGCY)
• Panelists:
  • Youth leader from a CDWD community from Europe-tbc
  • Human rights advocate working on social justice from Asia-Nikita Sonavane
  • Health expert specializing in marginalized communities from Africa- Halimatou Cassey
  • Representative from a multilateral organization – Baishali, International Labour Organisation
  • Representative from Migration Youth and Children Platform-Tony Mullenzi

Interactive Q&A and Open Discussion

Need for a forum working on Rights of CDWD Youth

1. Asia
2. Africa
3. Europe
4. Latin Ameica

Closing Remarks:

• Summary of key takeaways
• Call to action for policymakers and stakeholders
• Need for a forum working on Rights of CDWD Youth

4. Guiding Questions for Discussion

1. What are the key barriers to healthcare access for CDWD, and how can they be addressed through policy interventions?
2. How can SDG 16 and SDG 17 be leveraged to ensure justice and protection for CDWD communities facing discrimination and exclusion?
3. What role can youth play in advocating for the rights and inclusion of CDWD in national and international SDG policies?
4. How can governments, civil society, and international organizations collaborate to create an inclusive framework for SDG implementation?
5. What best practices exist for integrating CDWD concerns into national development strategies, and how can they be scaled?

5. Venue – Virtual: Zoom

Registration Link: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/JgcsoUh0QwiAEdLh9QlXpw