Date/Time
Date(s) - Wednesday - Apr 15, 2026
7:15 pm - 8:30 pm
Location
Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations (305 E47th St
Categories
Wednesday,15 April 2026 at 1.15-2.30 p.m.(ET)
Online &at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations(305 E47th St)
Please join the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations for this ECOSOC Youth Forum side event on the key findings and recommendations from the UN Secretary-General’s report ” The Security We Need-Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future”.
Young people, across the world and from all backgrounds, are key drivers for the successful implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
On the issue of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, youth are often the most vocal voices of peace. These voices are needed now more than ever, as the international community is facing a significant challenge.
Global military expenditure has reached historic highs just as the world is falling behind on its core development promises.In 2024, global military expenditure reached $2.7 trillion-a 9.4% increase in 2024 and the steepest year-on-year rise since at least 1988. Over the same period, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals faltered.Only about one in five measurable targets is on track; the annual financing gap is around $4 trillion.
It is critical to hear young people’s voices in these discussions about increasing military expenditure and its impacts, but unfortunately, young people are often not considered in the discussions or decision- making -although it directly impacts the lives and wellbeing of young people now, and in the future.
Opening remarks and presentations
- H.E.Ambassador Mohamed Edrees, Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations
- Ivor Fung, Chief of Branch,Conventional Arms Branch,UNODA
- Claudia Garcia Guiza, Political Affairs Officer,Conventional Arms Branch,UNODA
Speakers
- DeputyPermanentRepresentative Marthinus Van Schalkwyk,Permanent Mission of the Republic of South Africa to the United Nations
- Roberta Bojang, Youth Champion and Youth Leader Fund alumna
- Dr.Nan Tian, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
- Josefin Pasanen,Human Development Report Office,UN Development Programme
The event will be held in hybrid format at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations (305 E47th St, 5th floor) and online.
If you will be in New York and would like to attend in-person, please register here.
If you would like to attend online, please register here.