The side event titled “Faith-Based Youth Leadership for Inclusive and Sustainable Development” was held on 16 April 2025 at 9:00 AM EST, via Zoom. Organized by IMCS Pax Romana, in collaboration with the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS) and the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC), the event was part of the 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum. The overarching theme was “Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development,” aligning with several critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The session opened with welcome and opening remarks from Mr. Roshan Melwyn Lobo, Secretary-General of the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), and Ms. Bertha Samponu, Acting Manager of the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC). They underscored the significance of equipping youth with ethical and faith-driven leadership tools to address today’s global development challenges.

The panel discussion featured three prominent speakers:

• Mr. Christopher Dekki, Manager for Global Engagement and Partnerships at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), who spoke on the role of youth in climate leadership and global collaboration;
• Dr. Sameh Kamel, MBBS, Organizing Partner of the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UN MGCY), who brought forward insights on youth health, inclusive development, and UN engagement;
• Ms. Titi Maya Ghale, Representative of the Women Empowerment and Gender Equity Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Youth Commission of IMCS Pax Romana, who spoke passionately on gender equity and indigenous youth leadership.

Objectives of the Side Event:

• Highlight how youth-led, faith-based initiatives promote health and well-being (SDG 3) through inclusive, community-driven approaches.
• Showcase youth efforts in advancing gender equality (SDG 5) and inclusive leadership models.
• Explore youth engagement in decent work and ethical entrepreneurship (SDG 8), focusing on sustainability and social dignity.
• Promote environmental action and marine conservation (SDG 14) through faith-based youth advocacy and climate justice leadership.
• Strengthen intergenerational and cross-sector partnerships (SDG 17) that amplify youth voices and increase their participation in sustainable development processes.

Following the speaker presentations, participants were divided into breakout rooms for interactive discussion and Q&A. These sessions enabled young participants from different regions and sectors to reflect on their shared challenges and propose innovative solutions rooted in their faith and local realities.

The session concluded with closing remarks from Mr. William Nokrek, President of IMCS Pax Romana, who called for continued solidarity and cooperation among faith-based youth movements and development partners.

This side event not only showcased the real impact of youth-led, faith-informed actions around the world, but also emphasized the need for sustained investment in youth leadership as an essential pillar of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.