Vatican Youth Symposium Convenes Young Leaders for Collective Action on Sustainable Development
On October 8–9, 2026, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Youth program (SDSN Youth) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) convened young leaders and experts from around the world at the Casina Pio IV in Vatican City for the tenth edition of the Vatican Youth Symposium (VYS). Over two days, participants explored how to address humanity’s most pressing challenges through intergenerational dialogue, stronger partnerships, and practical solutions for sustainable development.
Over its ten editions, the Symposium has provided a platform for emerging leaders and established experts to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. This year’s theme, “Safeguarding Our Common Future: From Vision to Collective Action,” invited participants to consider how a shared vision for the future can translate into meaningful action. Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s call (Magnifica Humanitas, §74) to transform the economic, cultural, and technological bonds connecting humanity into pathways of “sharing, cooperation and mutual care,” the Symposium emphasized the importance of solidarity across generations and sectors, with human dignity at the center of sustainable development.
Day One: Human Rights, Climate Action, the Future of Work, and Inclusive Communities
The Symposium opened with reflections on young people's role in shaping a more just and sustainable world. Moderated by Raquel Armendariz, SDSN Youth Global Manager, this session featured Prof. Sr. Helen Alford, O.P., President of PASS; Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the SDSN; Dr. Betsee Parker, philanthropist, naturalist, and conservationist; María Cortés Puch, Vice President of Networks and Europe at the SDSN; and Dr. Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the UN Youth Office. Speakers emphasized the importance of intergenerational learning, ethical leadership, and meaningful youth participation. Dr. Parker reminded participants that “Education is not simply the acquisition of knowledge. Education is the preparation for responsibility,” encouraging young people to question persistent inequalities and recognize their capacity to lead. Dr. Paullier reinforced that youth participation goes beyond securing a seat at the table: It strengthens trust between generations and makes institutions more representative and responsive to global challenges.
The first thematic session, “Upholding Dignity and Justice: Human Rights and Gender Equality in Focus,” moderated by Tara Everton, Manager of Communications and External Relations at the SDSN, brought together Phil Chan, Rosalia Joseph, Mohammad Shehadat, and Sara Di Luca to examine the intersections of human rights, gender equality, cultural practices, and human trafficking. Chan, Senior Legal Counsel for Human Rights at Booking.com, emphasized the responsibility of businesses to move beyond awareness and take concrete action against human trafficking, stressing that “Collaboration is key. No one can solve human trafficking alone.” He highlighted the importance of engaging survivors in developing policies and practices that protect vulnerable people. Di Luca, meanwhile, challenged participants to reconsider cultural traditions in the context of gender equality, reminding the audience that “Young people have rights.” Together, the discussion underscored the need for institutions and cultural practices to uphold human dignity and fundamental rights.
The conversation then turned to the climate crisis in “Turning the Tide on Climate Change: Practical Paths for Resilient Futures,” moderated by Kayla Colyard, Senior Program Manager at the SDSN’s SDG Academy. Speakers Davide Agretto, Nate Wilbourne, and Paula Castillo Alonso explored the importance of generational renewal, systems thinking, and shared responsibility in advancing climate resilience. Castillo Alonso, an ocean advocate, highlighted the planet’s interconnected ecosystems, emphasizing that “One ocean connects us all; that is why the responsibility is shared.” The discussion reinforced the need for practical, science-informed solutions that recognize the connections between environmental protection, community well-being, and the future of generations to come.
In “The Future of Work: Keeping Humanity at the Center,” moderated by Nardos Berehe, Program Associate and Africa Lead at the SDSN, speakers Max Amanu, Veronica Stefan, Elizabeth Quishpi, and Nicole Zapata examined how artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and changing labor markets are reshaping opportunities for young people. Their discussion highlighted the importance of equitable access to education, practical skills, and employment opportunities, alongside the human qualities that technology cannot replace. Quishpi, Founder and Trustee of Empower LATAM UK, captured a persistent inequality: “Talent is distributed equally but opportunity is not.” The panel explored how to navigate a rapidly changing world of work while ensuring that technological progress benefits everyone. Zapata added a broader reminder about the importance of human agency in addressing global challenges: “Technology cannot conserve a forest — but people do.”
The day continued with “Shared Spaces, Shared Lives: Building Inclusive Communities,” moderated by Camila Kakabadse, Project Lead for Events and Partnerships at SDSN Youth. Speakers William Chan, Nakita Aboya, Anaïs Salabert, and Juan José Ayerza explored how local communities, cities, and shared spaces shape people's opportunities to connect, participate, and thrive. The discussion highlighted the importance of local leadership and community-driven solutions in advancing sustainable development. Aboya emphasized that meaningful leadership does not depend on formal titles, explaining, “You do not need to have a title to be a leader. You can start by taking action in your own community.” Her remarks reinforced the importance of trusting young people to identify challenges and develop solutions grounded in the realities of their communities.
The first day concluded with an exchange of reflections and takeaways, followed by a dinner and presentation of the Marco Polo Drive of Peace, Culture and Sustainable Development, featuring Prof. Sachs and Patrick Zhong, Founding Managing Partner of M31 Capital and Co-Initiator and Ambassador of the initiative.
Day Two: Shaping the Future We Choose
On the second day, participants turned their attention to the future of the global sustainable development agenda. The session “The Future We Choose: Driving Sustainable Development Forward,” moderated by Raquel Armendariz, brought together Harshani Dharmadasa, Beatrice Goddard Watts, Tara Everton, Elizabeth Zion, and Caillum Hedderman to examine how institutions, partnerships, and decision-making must evolve to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the 2030 deadline approaching and discussions about the future of global development gaining urgency, speakers reflected on the importance of strengthening international cooperation while ensuring young people have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that will affect their lives.
Dharmadasa, Senior Director and Head of Our Future Agenda at the UN Foundation, shared that “Young people haven't given up on the UN; they just want it to develop,” highlighting the importance of building trust and creating opportunities for intergenerational collaboration. Goddard Watts emphasized that “If we want to see progress, we need to go beyond setting targets and believe in people's ability to act.” Everton posed a question that captured one of the Symposium’s central challenges: “Are we designing the future for young people or are we designing it with them?” Together, these contributions reinforced the importance of translating global commitments into tangible outcomes and ensuring that young people can meaningfully influence the policies and priorities shaping their future.
The Symposium concluded with a closing session featuring Prof. Sachs, Dr. Parker, and Harshani Dharmadasa, moderated by Kayla Colyard, alongside reflections from various VYS delegates. The discussion brought together the gathering’s key themes, emphasizing that climate change, inequality, exclusion, and threats to human dignity cannot be addressed in isolation. Dr. Parker encouraged participants to recognize that meaningful contributions do not need to begin with solving the world’s largest problems; they can start by asking better questions, amplifying unheard voices, and creating opportunities for collaboration. She also highlighted the importance of relationships built through the Symposium, explaining that “Networking is not simply exchanging business cards or adding a new number to your contact list. It is the creation of relationships grounded in shared purpose.” Participants were invited to reflect on how they would carry the lessons and connections developed during the event into their own projects, organizations, and communities.
From Dialogue to Collective Action
The tenth edition of the Vatican Youth Symposium reinforced a central message: The challenges facing humanity are deeply interconnected, and the solutions must be as well. From protecting human rights and advancing climate resilience to rethinking the future of work and strengthening local communities, the discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration across generations, disciplines, and sectors.
As the world approaches the 2030 deadline and begins shaping the agenda beyond it, the Symposium reaffirmed the importance of young people and partners in advancing sustainable development. The conversations in Vatican City served as a reminder that progress depends not only on the ambitions we set, but on the collective action we take to realize them.
Safeguarding our common future requires listening across generations, building institutions that welcome diverse voices, and turning shared commitments into meaningful change. As Dr. Parker encouraged participants at the close of the Symposium: “Stay connected. Stay curious. Stay engaged.”
The Symposium would not be possible without the generosity and support of Dr. Parker. SDSN Youth and PASS extend their gratitude to all speakers, participants, and contributors who helped make the tenth edition possible.
For more updates about SDSN Youth, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook. For inquiries, contact [email protected].
