Link, learn, localise: Working with and for young people to advance self-reliance in forced displacement contexts

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with UNHCR, UNICEF, and the Global Refugee Youth Network, invites you to a dynamic side event at the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum. Co-sponsored by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action, and UN Volunteers, this event will spotlight the critical role of young people in shaping inclusive and sustainable responses to forced displacement.

With over 121 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, young people represent both a significant share of those affected and a powerful force for change. Despite facing disrupted education, limited access to decent work, and barriers to participation, displaced youth continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and innovation in their communities.

This event will highlight the importance of moving beyond short-term humanitarian assistance toward development-oriented solutions that promote self-reliance, social cohesion, and long-term socio-economic inclusion. It will showcase the PROSPECTS Partnership Programme—funded by the Government of the Netherlands—and the Prospects4Youth Technical Facility, a joint initiative of ILO, UNICEF, and UNHCR that supports youth engagement, skills development, and employment pathways across displacement contexts.

Participants will explore how to:

• Advance refugee-inclusive policies that strengthen youth self-reliance
• Promote access to education, skills, and decent work through innovative partnerships
• Support and fund refugee youth-led organizations as key drivers of localisation
• Build multi-stakeholder collaboration through the Prospects4Youth Inter-Generational Network (IGN)

The programme features a high-level panel including representatives from governments, UN agencies, civil society, and refugee youth leaders, followed by an interactive discussion and the official introduction of the IGN platform.

Speakers include:

• Jurriaan Middelhoff, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands
• Kellie Leeson, Women’s Refugee Commission
• Mary Maker, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
• Nifasha Adelaide, Global Refugee Youth Network

The session will be held in English. Light refreshments will be served from 13:00. Attendance is limited; registration is required by 10 April, and valid photo ID is needed for entry.

Join us to explore how partnerships, innovation, and youth leadership can transform responses to forced displacement and accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.