“Hear Us Now: Harnessing Science for Decent Work and Economic Inclusion of CDWD Youth”

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

SIDE EVENTS AT THE 2025 ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM

Background:

Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) face systemic exclusion, economic marginalization, and barriers to decent work (SDG 8). Science, technology, and innovation have the potential to break these cycles of discrimination by creating inclusive economic opportunities, fostering digital empowerment, and promoting equitable access to resources.

Despite the challenges, CDWD Youth are attempting this transformation, leveraging Science with social inclusion strategies advocating to build a more sustainable and just world. This side event highlights youth-led solutions that promote economic justice, decent work, and social equity for marginalized communities.

Objectives:

Showcase youth-driven innovations using science, technology, and social inclusion to address discrimination in employment and economic participation.

Discuss the role of Science and Technology in education, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion in breaking generational poverty and exclusion among CDWD.

Provide a platform for youth voices to share best practices and advocate for policies that integrate marginalized groups into sustainable development frameworks.

Foster networking and collaboration between youth, policymakers, development agencies, and civil society organizations while attempting to break barriers within and build bridges between the youth of a diverse background.

Proposed Schedule:

Event Format & Key Components (90 minutes)

1. Opening Remarks (12 min)
   • Moderator introduction and event objectives. (4mins)- Sri Yash Tadailmala, SPI Youth Platform, MGCY
   • Keynote speech by a CDWD youth leader or policy expert on leveraging science and social inclusion for decent work and economic justice (SDG 8). (8mins)- Naveen Gautam, GFP, MGCY and The Inclusivity Project

2. Panel Discussion: Youth-Led Innovations for Inclusive Development (40 min)
3. Youth experts discuss:
   ✔ Tech for Economic Justice. Impact of AI and Digital tools in generating Decent work opportunity for youth from CDWD and other marginalised communities.-8 min- Sachidanand

✔ Inclusive ST Education for CDWD youth: breaking barriers for CDWD youth to access quality education and employment.-8 min- Kunjani Pariyar

✔ Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation – Youth-led businesses tackling economic exclusion and promoting sustainable livelihoods.- TBC

✔ Policy & Advocacy – Bridging science and social inclusion to support fair labor practices and employment rights.-8 min- Natalia

• Need to discuss about Goal 17

How can governments, international organizations, and civil society collaborate to create inclusive labor policies for CDWD youth?

What role can intergovernmental partnerships (UN, ILO, etc.) play in ensuring fair wages, social protection, and labor rights for marginalized communities?

• Panelists from Asia(Deepesh), Africa(Zienabou), Europe(TBC) and Latin America(JEAN): CDWD Youth advocates, social entrepreneurs and  research experts.(TBC)

Open floor – Q&A and Discussion – think of some discussion points – what are the challenges  faced by Youth  and how are they being addressed?. (20 mins)

1. What financial and structural challenges prevent young entrepreneurs from scaling their impact and contributing effectively to SDG 8, particularly in underprivileged communities?
2. Can you share examples of successful programs or policies that have helped marginalized youth gain access to quality Science and Technology education and employment?
3. How are youth-led businesses and social enterprises creating sustainable economic opportunities for marginalized communities?

Call to Action, Policy Recommendation & Networking (20 min)-Break out rooms

• Discussion on stakeholder support for youth-led efforts toward decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
• Audience Q&A and commitments for inclusive sustainable development.
• Collaboration opportunities and brief discussion on forming a CDWD youth forum.
• What do we take to HLPF and World Social Summit as CDWD youth?

4. Guiding Questions for discussion/s

• How can emerging technologies (AI digital platforms) be leveraged to create decent work opportunities (SDG 8) for marginalized communities, including CDWD?
• Can you share examples of successful programs or policies that have helped marginalized youth gain access to quality Science and Technology education and employment?
• How are youth-led businesses and social enterprises creating sustainable economic opportunities for marginalized communities?
• What financial or structural support do young entrepreneurs need to scale their impact and contribute to SDG 8?
• What policy recommendations would you give to governments and international organizations to ensure fair labor practices and equal economic opportunities for CDWD youth?

 Venue: Online (Zoom)

   Time: 90 minutes

INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE IN FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE

Registration link: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/MQa37WQPT0Crxaf-jqb0iw