Report: Fifth International Youth Forum (IYF 5.0) at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok
The Fifth International Youth Forum (IYF 5.0) was successfully held on 21–22 August 2025 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC), Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable and Just Future.”
Jointly organized by the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) and the International Youth Forum (IYF), the forum brought together over 600 delegates from 62 countries, including diplomats, policymakers, academics, business leaders, youth representatives, and civil society organizations.
Day 1 Highlights
The forum began with an inspiring welcome by Emcee Miss Shakshi Lamsal (Nepal), followed by opening remarks from Mr. Rahul K. C. and Dr. Datchanamoorthy Ramu, Co-Founders of IYF.
The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chair of IYF 2025 & Chairman, SRM Group.
The Special Address featured global leaders, including Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, United Nations, and Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, President, Youth for Human Rights International.
Distinguished diplomats and officials delivered the Guest of Honour Addresses, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Ireland, Pakistan, Mexico, Bangladesh, Sweden, Portugal, Kenya, Italy, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand.
Keynote speakers such as Mrs. Nurul Ilham Anwar (Malaysia), Dr. Masanori Kondo (Asia-Pacific Telecommunity), Hon. Mr. Aslam Perwaiz (ADPC), Mr. Vikram Cotah (GRT Hotels & Resorts), Mr. Jose Charles Martin (Charles Group of Companies), and Mr. Alexander Rendell (UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, Thailand) addressed pressing global issues from education and entrepreneurship to climate action.
Two thematic panels were hosted:
- Inclusive Cities, Informed Citizens: Empowering Human Rights through Education, Law, and Local Governance
- Youth & AI for Good: Empowering the Next Generation to Drive Ethical Innovation for Human Rights and Sustainable Development
The day concluded with reflections from Ms. Samilin Tawa, Resident Representative (Thailand), SDC, followed by an exclusive Grand Gala Dinner.
Day 2 Highlights
Day Two opened with a recap by Ms. Wirakan Bunchu, Assistant Resident Representative (Thailand), SDC.
Opening remarks were given by Dr. Nanthaporn Janchalia Seributra (Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok), Prof. Prisana Kumchai (Khon Kaen University), Mr. Atthakrit Chimplapibul (Bitkub), Mr. Srinivas Tata (UN ESCAP), Mr. Pascal Bourcher (IFRC), and Mr. Koichi Tahara (SEAFDEC).
A Special Address was delivered by Ms. Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women Asia-Pacific & UN Women Representative to Thailand.
Day Two featured panels on:
- Accelerating Gender Equality: Policies and Actions for SDG Success
- Adapting Ambitions: Climate Change, Education & Career Futures for Youth in the Global South
The program also included research paper presentations by young scholars from India, Thailand, and Algeria, and youth dialogues with representatives from Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and India.
The highlight of the day was the formal adoption of the IYF Youth Declaration, presented by Dr. Datchanamoorthy Ramu and Mr. Rahul K. C.
Closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Gokulnath Mathiazhagan, Secretary-General, SDC, followed by final keynote addresses from Mr. Ishank Gorla (World Food Programme) and Mr. Gayan Peiris (UNDP Chief Digital Office).
Impact and Significance
IYF 5.0 created a vibrant platform for policy dialogue, youth leadership, and multilateral collaboration, directly engaging United Nations agencies, embassies, civil society leaders, and young changemakers.
A landmark achievement of this edition was the participation of six Government School students from Tamil Nadu, India, who, for the first time, attended a United Nations conference — a powerful step towards inclusivity and youth empowerment.
Dr. Datchanamoorthy Ramu, Co-Founder of IYF and President of the Sustainable Development Council, reflected:
“The International Youth Forum 5.0 has shown that when youth are given a global stage, they not only speak of hope but also drive concrete solutions for peace, human rights, and sustainability. This gathering was not just about dialogue, but about shaping commitments that will resonate well beyond the UN halls.”
Conclusion
The success of the International Youth Forum 5.0 demonstrates the growing importance of empowering youth voices in shaping the future of our world. With strong participation from United Nations agencies, global experts, and youth leaders, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable and just future through youth leadership and partnership.
