UN – Young Salesian Representatives at the ECOSOC Youth Forum in the United Nations

28 April 2023

(ANS – New York) - The ECOSOC Youth Forum, held annually by the United Nations, is an event that gathers young people from all over the world to discuss and propose solutions to the most pressing issues of our time. This year, the Salesian Family was represented by two young ladies, Victoria Figueroa from St. Dominic Savio and Jennifer Gomez from the Salesian Family Youth Center, who were accompanied by Jc Montenegro, the Executive Director at the SFYC and invited by Fr. Thomas Pallithanam, SDB, the Salesian Missions representative.

As Salesians, we are committed to empowering young people and promoting social transformation. The ECOSOC Youth Forum aligns with our mission and provides an opportunity to share our Salesian approach to youth ministry, which emphasizes the importance of working with youth, not just for them, and fostering their leadership skills and agency.

At the forum, our Salesian representatives had the chance to share some of their initiatives and best practices in providing quality education, vocational training, and socio-economic opportunities to marginalized youth in Los Angeles. They were also able to learn from other organizations and initiatives and exchange ideas, best practices, and recommendations on how to address some of the most pressing issues facing our communities.

One of the key takeaways from the forum was the importance of inter-generational leadership and collaboration. Young people have a crucial role to play in shaping our future, but they need the support and guidance of older generations to make their voices heard and achieve their goals. As Salesians, we have a responsibility to provide this support and guidance and to work in partnership with youth to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

The ECOSOC Youth Forum was a transformative experience that reinforced our commitment to youth empowerment and social transformation. It provided an opportunity to connect with other organizations, stakeholders, and experts in various fields, and to learn from their experiences and perspectives. It also highlighted the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and the role that youth can play in achieving them.

As a Salesian Family, the work towards empowering young people and promoting social transformation continues, fostering leadership skills and providing  them with the support and guidance they need to make a positive impact on the world. It was a wonderful occasion for the Salesian group to participate in events like the ECOSOC Youth Forum, which provided a wonderful space to exchange ideas, best practices, and recommendations with other organizations and initiatives, and partner with others in working towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".