On 20 July 2025, in New York and via hybrid mode, the Catholic Social Forum brought together a diverse community of youth leaders, academics, Church representatives, and civil society actors. Co-organized by the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), alongside IMCS Pax Romana, ICMICA–Pax Romana, the IYTC Laudato Si’ Centre (Chiang Mai), and Manhattan University, the forum served as a powerful platform for reflection and shared commitment.

This year’s gathering carried profound significance as it coincided with three major milestones:
10th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
10 years since Pope Francis’ historic address to the United Nations General Assembly and
10th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’

These anniversaries offered a timely opportunity to revisit the spiritual and moral foundation of sustainable development, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, youth agency, and ecological justice.

Participants critically examined both achievements and challenges in the implementation of the SDGs, acknowledging that although universally adopted, the goals remain voluntary and lack enforceability. Global crises, including armed conflict, the climate emergency, and the aftermath of COVID-19, have further slowed progress. Yet, the forum promoted a hopeful outlook, viewing 2030 not as an endpoint but a critical milestone toward a people-centred and planet-sensitive future.

A key message was the localization of the SDGs, integrating them at the grassroots level in parishes, schools, communities, and faith-based institutions. The Church was called upon to align its pastoral priorities with ecological and social justice through its ethical and prophetic voice.

The forum also placed strong emphasis on youth leadership. Young participants demanded space in decision-making processes and highlighted the need for accompaniment and structural support to foster real participation. The model of integral ecology, as promoted in Laudato Si’, was upheld as a moral compass for sustainable change.

Notable contributions came from expert speakers including Dr. Kevin Ahern (Manhattan University), Prof. Pamela Chasek, Dr. Sameh Kamel, Ms. Barbara Adams, Ms. Mariko Komatsu, and Mr. Suman Ghale, with Mr. Fasika Lachore and Mr. Anselmo Lee moderating the sessions.

In conclusion, the Catholic Social Forum 2025 reaffirmed the importance of faith-based collaboration, intergenerational solidarity, and the See–Judge–Act method in responding to global challenges. Inspired by Fratelli Tutti, participants left committed to turning dialogue into transformation and faith into action.