More than 500 young leaders and youth representatives gathered for the forum's opening ceremony and plenary meeting.

Themed "Together for a Better Future," the event is expected to serve as an important occasion to pool youth strength for implementing both the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Development Initiative.

In a video message delivered to the Forum, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said young people are the driving force behind the United Nations 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development and called for greater support for youth development.

Mohammed said governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector and civil society must provide the resources and platforms the youth need to make their voices heard. She vowed that the UN Youth Office will collaborate with the UN system and relevant teams around the world to amplify young people’s voices.