APFSD Youth Forum 2027 in Bangkok, Thailand: Call for Applications and Abstracts for Young People in Asia and the Pacific

The APFSD Youth Forum 2027 is inviting applications from young people aged 13 to 30 across the Asia-Pacific region to participate in discussions on sustainable development, human rights, climate action, gender equality, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum will provide a platform for adolescents and young people to share their experiences, present youth-led initiatives, engage with regional stakeholders, and contribute to recommendations that can influence sustainable development policies at national, regional, and global levels.

Organised by the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) in collaboration with regional youth networks and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), the APFSD Youth Forum 2027 will take place in a hybrid format from 18 to 20 February 2027 in Bangkok, Thailand. Eligible applicants can apply to participate in the Youth Forum, while those with relevant research, programmes, community initiatives, or youth-led projects can also submit abstracts through the separate Call for Abstracts.

The application deadline is 16 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Bangkok time. Young people interested in sustainable development, youth participation, human rights, and the implementation of the SDGs are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications before the deadline.

Overview of the APFSD Youth Forum 2027

The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) is an annual intergovernmental platform that supports regional follow-up and review of progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It brings together governments, United Nations bodies, international organisations, civil society, youth representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss progress, challenges, and practical solutions for sustainable development.

The APFSD Youth Forum is a dedicated space within this broader regional process where young people can contribute their perspectives and recommendations. It recognises that adolescents and young people are essential participants in achieving the SDGs and that their experiences should be considered when developing policies, programmes, and strategies for the future.

The 2027 edition will bring together young people from across Asia and the Pacific to examine the SDGs scheduled for review in 2027, identify gaps in implementation, and develop youth-driven recommendations for decision-makers.

The forum will also help strengthen connections between national, subregional, and regional youth initiatives, ensuring that the priorities of young people from diverse backgrounds are reflected in wider sustainable development discussions.

APFSD Youth Forum 2027: Key Details

• Event: APFSD Youth Forum 2027
• Organiser: Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), with regional co-convenors and partner organisations
• Collaborating institution: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
• Event dates: 18–20 February 2027
• Location: Bangkok, Thailand
• Format: Hybrid, with in-person and online participation
• Eligible age group: 13–30 years
• Eligible region: Asia and the Pacific
• Application deadline: 16 November 2026, at 11:59 PM Bangkok time
• Application opportunities: General Call for Applications and Call for Abstracts
• Working language: English
• Main focus: Youth participation in sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals

Applicants should consult the official application materials for the available participation arrangements and any additional requirements.

What Is the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development?

The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development is an annual regional platform designed to support countries in monitoring and advancing their progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The 2030 Agenda establishes a global framework for addressing interconnected social, economic, and environmental challenges. Its 17 Sustainable Development Goals cover areas such as education, health, gender equality, climate action, responsible consumption, reduced inequalities, environmental protection, and international partnerships.

The APFSD provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review regional progress, share successful practices, discuss implementation challenges, and identify priorities requiring further attention. Its discussions are particularly relevant to countries facing significant development barriers, including least-developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states.

The outcomes of the regional forum contribute to wider United Nations sustainable development processes. These include the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), which reviews global progress towards the SDGs, and other relevant intergovernmental and youth-focused platforms.

Through the APFSD Youth Forum, young people can help ensure that these processes reflect the realities of their communities and address issues that directly affect their generation.

Introduction to the APFSD Youth Forum 2027

The APFSD Youth Forum is an annual gathering that brings together adolescents and young people from across Asia and the Pacific to discuss sustainable development challenges and opportunities.

The forum seeks to ensure that young people’s experiences, perspectives, and priorities are meaningfully included in regional development discussions. Rather than treating young people only as beneficiaries of development programmes, the forum recognises them as contributors, advocates, researchers, organisers, and partners in implementing the SDGs.

Participants can engage with different stakeholders, exchange knowledge, discuss policy challenges, and contribute to collective recommendations for advancing sustainable development.

The forum adopts an intersectional approach that recognises how factors such as gender, socioeconomic circumstances, geographical location, disability, and social exclusion can influence people’s opportunities to participate in development processes.

It also emphasises human rights and justice, with particular attention to ensuring that young people from marginalised communities have opportunities to express their concerns and influence decisions.

Organisations Behind the APFSD Youth Forum

ARROW and regional youth organisations have been organising the APFSD Youth Forum since 2017. Over the years, the initiative has expanded its network of collaborators to strengthen youth participation across the region.

The organisations and networks identified in the 2027 announcement include:

• Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW): A regional organisation working on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and related development issues.
• Youth LEAD: A regional youth network involved in advancing the participation and leadership of young people in relevant health and development initiatives.
• YPEER Asia Pacific Center: A youth-focused network supporting peer education and youth engagement.
• Major Group for Children and Youth: A recognised stakeholder constituency that facilitates youth participation in United Nations sustainable development processes.
• Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP: A youth constituency engaging with environmental policy and United Nations Environment Programme processes.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): A United Nations development agency that joined the wider collaboration in 2025, according to the announcement.
• Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP): A regional platform supporting youth engagement in climate action, also identified as joining in 2025.
• United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP): The United Nations regional commission with which the forum collaborates.

This network of organisations supports a regional approach to youth participation, linking grassroots initiatives and national priorities with broader policy discussions.

Theme of the APFSD Youth Forum 2027

The theme for the 2027 edition is:

“Scaling up just transitions to achieving sustainable development, poverty eradication and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals – young people at the forefront.”

The theme highlights the importance of ensuring that transitions towards more sustainable societies are fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of different communities.

A just transition involves managing changes in economies, energy systems, production, consumption, and development practices in ways that reduce harm and promote fairness. It considers how policies can protect vulnerable groups, create opportunities, address inequalities, and ensure that the costs and benefits of change are distributed more equitably.

Young people have an important role in these transitions because they will experience the long-term consequences of today’s development decisions. Their involvement can help identify emerging challenges, propose innovative solutions, and hold institutions accountable for commitments to sustainable development.

At the APFSD Youth Forum 2027, participants will be encouraged to consider how young people can contribute to poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, inclusive economic development, human rights, and the full implementation of the SDGs.

The theme also reinforces the importance of moving beyond general commitments towards practical action. This includes identifying implementation gaps, sharing lessons from community-based projects, and developing recommendations that can be taken forward by governments and regional institutions.

Sustainable Development Goals Under Review in 2027

The APFSD Youth Forum 2027 will focus on the SDGs scheduled for review during the 2027 sustainable development process, while also considering additional crosscutting issues.

The announcement identifies five primary goals under review and three additional crosscutting goals.

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Youth discussions may consider barriers to educational access, inequalities in learning opportunities, the quality and relevance of education, and the need to ensure that young people from disadvantaged communities can participate fully in education systems.

Participants can contribute perspectives on how education systems can become more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to changing social and economic conditions.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 10 focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries.

Inequalities can affect access to education, employment, healthcare, decision-making, and other essential services. Young people may experience additional barriers because of poverty, disability, gender discrimination, displacement, geographical isolation, or other forms of social exclusion.

The forum provides a space to discuss these challenges and recommend measures that promote equal opportunities and meaningful participation.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 12 promotes sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

This goal is relevant to waste reduction, resource efficiency, sustainable supply chains, responsible business practices, and the environmental consequences of production and consumption.

Youth-led initiatives in recycling, circular economy approaches, sustainable lifestyles, community awareness, and resource conservation may offer practical examples for discussion.

4. SDG 15: Life on Land

SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

It addresses biodiversity loss, deforestation, land degradation, desertification, and the conservation of natural habitats.

Young people working on environmental education, biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and community conservation can contribute relevant experiences and recommendations.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 17 emphasises strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising global partnerships for sustainable development.

Partnerships are essential because governments, civil society, youth organisations, international institutions, and other stakeholders must work together to achieve the SDGs.

The 2027 review will also consider emerging trends. Participants can explore how collaboration, knowledge-sharing, resources, technology, and youth participation can strengthen implementation efforts.

Additional Crosscutting Sustainable Development Goals

In addition to the five primary goals, the forum will consider three crosscutting goals that connect with many aspects of sustainable development.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Climate change affects communities through rising temperatures, extreme weather, environmental degradation, and other risks. Youth participants can discuss climate justice, adaptation, resilience, mitigation, and the role of young people in influencing climate policies.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Discussions may address barriers to healthcare, adolescent and youth health, health inequalities, and the importance of inclusive health systems.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 5 seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The forum’s approach to gender equality may include examining discrimination, unequal access to opportunities, barriers to leadership, and the importance of including diverse young people in decision-making.

Together, these goals provide a broad framework for understanding how education, equality, environmental sustainability, health, and partnerships intersect with the daily experiences of young people across Asia and the Pacific.

Objectives of the APFSD Youth Forum 2027

The forum has several objectives designed to strengthen the role of adolescents and young people in regional sustainable development processes.

1. Ensure Meaningful Youth Participation

One of the principal objectives is to ensure that the voices, realities, and perspectives of adolescents and young people are meaningfully included in shaping, transforming, and implementing the regional sustainable development agenda.

This includes contributing to discussions connected with APFSD 2027 and HLPF 2027. Young people should have opportunities to communicate the challenges affecting their communities and provide recommendations that reflect their experiences.

2. Maintain a Dedicated Space for Youth Dialogue

The forum aims to sustain a dedicated platform where young people can discuss the implementation of the SDGs and engage with stakeholders on the 2027 theme.

Such a space allows youth representatives to exchange ideas, build connections, learn from different experiences, and develop a shared understanding of sustainable development challenges across the region.

3. Assess Progress and Identify Implementation Gaps

Another objective is to assess progress, gaps, and challenges in implementing SDGs 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13, 15, and 17 from the perspectives of adolescents and young people.

The discussions will consider structural and systemic barriers that prevent young people from participating fully in sustainable development. Identifying these obstacles can help inform recommendations for more inclusive policies and programmes.

4. Contribute to Voluntary National Reviews

Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) are country-led processes through which governments assess and report on their progress towards the SDGs.

The forum aims to contribute a youth perspective to these processes, helping ensure that young people’s experiences and priorities are reflected in national sustainable development assessments.

5. Develop Youth Calls to Action

The forum will support the development of Youth Calls to Action at national, subregional, and regional levels.

These calls to action are intended to communicate young people’s priorities, recommendations, and demands to relevant stakeholders. They can help translate discussions into concrete advocacy messages and support continued engagement beyond the forum itself.

6. Strengthen National and Regional Coordination

The forum also aims to provide a platform for National Alliances on APFSD to share their national Calls to Action.

These contributions can be incorporated into the APFSD Regional Youth Call to Action, helping connect national experiences with wider regional priorities and strengthening coordination among youth-led initiatives.

Call for Applications: Who Should Apply?

The general Call for Applications is intended for young people aged 13 to 30 from across Asia and the Pacific who are interested in sustainable development and can contribute relevant perspectives, experiences, or initiatives.

Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the SDGs and their importance at the national, regional, or global level. They should also show a commitment to progressive, human rights-based approaches and identify strengths or experiences relevant to the goals being reviewed.

The forum welcomes applications from young people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Applicants do not necessarily need to represent a large organisation to have relevant contributions; individual experiences, community engagement, and youth-led initiatives may also be important.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the announcement, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be between 13 and 30 years old. The announcement specifies a birth date on or after 21 February 1997.
• Geographical eligibility: Applicants must be from the Asia and Pacific region.
• Commitment to human rights: Applicants should demonstrate progressive values and support human rights-based approaches.
• Relevant strengths and experience: Applicants should demonstrate unique strengths relevant to the SDGs scheduled for review as part of the 14th APFSD.
• Understanding of the SDGs: Applicants should show an understanding of sustainable development goals and their implementation at the country, regional, or global level.
• Contribution to youth participation: Applicants should be able to offer perspectives, experiences, knowledge, or initiatives relevant to the forum’s objectives.

Applicants should carefully review the official application form to ensure that their age, background, and experience meet the requirements specified by the organisers.

Inclusion and Diversity

The APFSD Youth Forum 2027 places particular importance on inclusive participation. The organisers state that priority will be given to applications from individuals belonging to marginalised or socially excluded groups and communities, as well as applicants from hard-to-reach areas.

This approach recognises that young people do not all experience the same opportunities to participate in development processes. Factors such as location, socioeconomic circumstances, discrimination, and limited access to resources can influence whether young people are able to engage in regional advocacy.

The organisers will also consider applicants who have participated in previous APFSD Youth Forums or subregional forums and contributed to earlier APFSD Calls to Action. Consideration will also be given to individuals who have previously attended the intergovernmental APFSD.

These considerations are intended to support continuity, meaningful participation, and diversity in the forum.

Applicants should understand that these preferences do not automatically guarantee selection. The organisers will assess applications according to the applicable selection process.

Call for Abstracts: An Opportunity to Share Research and Youth-Led Initiatives

In addition to the general Call for Applications, the APFSD Youth Forum 2027 is inviting abstract submissions relevant to the SDGs under review.

This opportunity is intended for young people who wish to share research, practical experiences, programme implementation, or initiatives focused on or led by young people.

The Call for Abstracts is not restricted to conventional academic research. It also welcomes contributions that demonstrate how sustainable development activities are being implemented on the ground.

This broad approach allows applicants to share practical lessons from communities, youth organisations, local projects, advocacy campaigns, and development programmes.

What Types of Abstracts Can Be Submitted?

The announcement identifies several types of contributions that may be relevant:

• Research related to the SDGs under review.
• Community-based programmes and sustainable development activities.
• Initiatives focused on young people.
• Projects designed, implemented, or led by young people.
• Practical experiences addressing barriers to sustainable development.
• Activities relevant to education, inequality, responsible consumption, environmental protection, partnerships, climate action, health, or gender equality.

Applicants should ensure that their submissions are relevant to the goals under review and follow the requirements outlined in the official Abstract Submission Guideline.

Important Requirement for Abstract Applicants

Applicants submitting an abstract must also apply through the general Call for Applications.

Submitting an abstract alone is not sufficient to fulfil the stated application requirements for participation in the APFSD Youth Forum 2027.

Applicants interested in presenting their work should therefore complete both processes:

1. Submit an application through the general Call for Applications.
2. Submit an abstract through the separate abstract submission process, following the official guidelines.

The two submissions serve different purposes: the general application expresses interest in participating in the forum, while the abstract submission presents work or initiatives for consideration.

How to Submit an Abstract

Applicants should read the official Abstract Submission Guideline before preparing their submissions. The guideline should be used to confirm the expected format, content, and any specific requirements.

The announcement provides separate links for the guidelines and the abstract submission form.

• Abstract guidelines: Access the official APFSD Youth Forum 2027 announcement on ARROW’s website and follow the link labelled “Abstract Submission Guideline.”
• Abstract submission: Use the separate link labelled “Click here to submit your abstract” in the official announcement.

Applicants should also complete the general Call for Applications as required.

What Happens After the APFSD Youth Forum 2027?

The forum is designed to contribute to sustainable development discussions beyond the three-day event. Its outcomes will build on recommendations and processes from previous national, subregional, and regional youth-led initiatives.

According to the announcement, the forum will build on the outcomes and recommendations of the Tenth South and South-West Asia Subregional Forum on Sustainable Development 2026, alongside other relevant youth-led processes.

A structured review and consolidation process will be undertaken to identify continuing priorities, emerging issues, and recommendations that require further regional advocacy.

Youth-led organisations and representatives involved in these processes will be encouraged to participate in developing and validating the APFSD Youth Call to Action 2027. This approach is intended to strengthen continuity, collective ownership, and accountability across youth-led sustainable development initiatives.

Where Will the Youth Call to Action Be Used?

The APFSD Youth Call to Action 2027 is intended to feed into several major sustainable development and international policy processes, including:

• APFSD Intergovernmental Forum 2027: To communicate youth priorities and recommendations within the regional sustainable development process.
• High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2027: To contribute youth perspectives to global discussions on SDG implementation.
• ECOSOC Youth Forum 2027: To connect regional youth priorities with broader United Nations youth engagement processes.
• 2027 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 32): To support relevant youth advocacy on climate action and sustainable transitions.
• United Nations Water Conference 2027: To contribute relevant recommendations to international discussions on water-related issues.
• ECOSOC review process leading up to the SDG Summit 2027: To support continued consideration of sustainable development priorities.

The Youth Call to Action will also contribute to national-level follow-up and review with governments in the participating countries.

The organisers aim to strengthen young people’s representation and active participation in these processes and encourage the inclusion of youth recommendations in relevant discussions.

This wider engagement is an important part of the forum’s purpose: to connect the experiences and priorities of young people with policy processes that influence sustainable development.

Event Format, Language, and Accessibility

The APFSD Youth Forum 2027 will take place in a hybrid format from 18 to 20 February 2027 in Bangkok, Thailand.

A hybrid event combines in-person participation with online engagement. This format can provide different ways for participants to take part, although applicants should consult the official information to confirm the participation arrangements available to them.

Working Language

The forum will be conducted in English. Applicants should consider this requirement when preparing their applications and planning their participation.

Interpretation Services

Applicants who require interpretation services are asked to mention this in the application form.

The organisers state that the conveners will try to accommodate interpretation requests to the best of their ability. Applicants should therefore communicate any relevant language-access requirements clearly during the application process.

Parental or Guardian Consent for Applicants Under 18

Applicants younger than 18 years old may apply if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.

However, the organisers state that selected participants under the age of 18 will be asked to provide consent from a parent or guardian at a later stage.

Young applicants and their families should be prepared for this requirement if the applicant is selected.

Why Participate in the APFSD Youth Forum 2027?

The forum offers an opportunity for young people to participate in regional discussions on sustainable development and contribute to policy-oriented advocacy.

Its main value lies in providing a dedicated platform for youth voices to be considered alongside the perspectives of governments, civil society organisations, international institutions, and other stakeholders.

Potential areas of engagement include:

• Sharing experiences and recommendations related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Contributing youth perspectives to regional sustainable development discussions.
• Presenting relevant research, community programmes, and youth-led initiatives through the abstract submission process.
• Identifying gaps and barriers affecting the implementation of the SDGs.
• Engaging with young people and stakeholders from different parts of Asia and the Pacific.
• Contributing to national, subregional, and regional Youth Calls to Action.
• Supporting advocacy on climate action, gender equality, health, education, and social inclusion.
• Contributing perspectives that may inform national and international sustainable development processes.

These are potential areas of participation and contribution, not guaranteed individual benefits. The announcement does not establish a guaranteed scholarship, stipend, travel grant, accommodation package, or other financial support. Applicants should consult the official event and application materials for confirmed arrangements and any available support.

How to Apply for the APFSD Youth Forum 2027

Interested applicants should use the official ARROW announcement to access the application form and any additional instructions.

Follow these steps to prepare your application.

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Criteria

Confirm that you meet the age and regional requirements. Review the expectations concerning human rights-based approaches, understanding of the SDGs, and relevant strengths or experiences.

Step 2: Identify Your Relevant Experience

Consider how your background, community involvement, research, advocacy, education, or youth-led activities relate to the SDGs under review.

Applicants should present their experiences clearly and explain how they connect with the forum’s objectives.

Step 3: Prepare Your General Application

Complete the general Call for Applications using the official application form. Provide accurate information and respond to the questions according to the organisers’ instructions.

If you require interpretation services, mention your needs in the form.

Step 4: Prepare an Abstract if You Have Relevant Work to Share

If you want to submit research, a programme, or a youth-focused or youth-led initiative, review the official Abstract Submission Guideline and prepare your submission accordingly.

Remember that abstract applicants must also complete the general application.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit all required materials before 16 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Bangkok time.

Avoid waiting until the final hours to complete the process. Review your information and ensure that each required submission has been completed successfully.

Step 6: Monitor Official Communications

After submitting your application, monitor the communication channels you provided and refer to official updates from the organisers for information about selection and subsequent participation requirements.

Application Deadline for the APFSD Youth Forum 2027

The deadline for the APFSD Youth Forum 2027 Call for Applications and the associated application opportunity is 16 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Bangkok time.

Applicants should check the official abstract submission instructions for any specific submission requirements and ensure that both the general application and abstract are submitted where applicable.

Because the deadline is expressed in Bangkok time, applicants applying from other countries should account for the time difference when planning their submissions.

For example, Bangkok is two hours ahead of Pakistan Standard Time. The stated deadline therefore corresponds to 9:59 PM on 16 November 2026 in Pakistan.

Late submissions may not be accepted, so applicants should follow the official instructions and submit all required materials before the deadline.

Contact Information

Applicants who have questions about the APFSD Youth Forum 2027 can contact the organisers using the email address provided in the official announcement.

Email: apfsdyouthforum@arrow.org.my

Applicants should use this contact for relevant enquiries about the application process, abstract submissions, eligibility, interpretation requests, and other event-related questions.

For additional information, consult ARROW’s official website and the announcement titled “Call for Applications: APFSD Youth Forum 2027.”

Official organisation: Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW)

Website: https://arrow.org.my/

Applicants should use the official announcement and application materials to obtain the current application form, abstract guidelines, and submission links. This article does not reproduce the direct application or abstract submission URLs because those specific URLs were not included in the supplied announcement text.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the APFSD Youth Forum 2027?

The APFSD Youth Forum 2027 is a regional youth gathering focused on sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to include young people’s perspectives in regional and international development discussions.

2. When will the APFSD Youth Forum 2027 take place?

The forum is scheduled for 18–20 February 2027.

3. Where will the forum be held?

The event will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, with a hybrid format that includes in-person and online participation.

4. What is the application deadline?

The stated deadline is 16 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Bangkok time.

5. Who can apply for the APFSD Youth Forum 2027?

Young people aged 13–30 from the Asia and Pacific region who demonstrate an understanding of the SDGs, support human rights-based approaches, and have relevant strengths or experiences may apply, subject to the official eligibility criteria.

6. Can young people from marginalised communities apply?

Yes. The organisers specifically state that applications from marginalised or socially excluded groups and communities, as well as applicants from hard-to-reach areas, will be prioritised to support diversity and inclusion.

7. Can I submit an abstract without applying to the Youth Forum?

No. According to the announcement, anyone submitting an abstract must also apply through the general Call for Applications.

8. Do abstracts have to be academic research papers?

No. The Call for Abstracts is not limited to research. It can also include programmes implemented on the ground, initiatives focused on young people, and initiatives led by young people.

9. What language will be used during the forum?

The forum will be conducted in English. Applicants who need interpretation services should mention this in their application form.

10. Can applicants under 18 participate?

Applicants under 18 may apply if they meet the eligibility criteria. If selected, they will be asked to provide consent from a parent or guardian at a later stage.

11. Does the announcement guarantee funding or travel support?

No guaranteed funding, stipend, travel grant, or accommodation package is specified in the supplied announcement. Applicants should confirm the available arrangements through the official application materials or by contacting the organisers.

12. How can I contact the organisers?

Questions can be sent to apfsdyouthforum@arrow.org.my.

Conclusion

The APFSD Youth Forum 2027 provides a regional platform for young people across Asia and the Pacific to contribute to discussions on sustainable development, human rights, social inclusion, climate action, and the Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing together adolescents, youth representatives, civil society networks, and other stakeholders, the forum aims to strengthen young people’s participation in shaping the regional sustainable development agenda.

The event will focus on SDGs 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13, 15, and 17, while supporting the development of youth-led recommendations that can contribute to national, regional, and international policy processes. Eligible young people can apply through the general Call for Applications, while those with relevant research, community programmes, or youth-led initiatives can also submit abstracts.

Applicants should review the eligibility requirements, prepare their submissions carefully, and consult the official guidelines before applying. Those submitting abstracts must also complete the general application.

Application deadline: 16 November 2026, at 11:59 PM Bangkok time.

Young people interested in advancing sustainable development and ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in decision-making should review the official APFSD Youth Forum 2027 announcement and submit their applications before the deadline.

Explore more at Opportunities for Youth (OFY).