Eligibility note: The APFSD Youth Forum is only for young people from Asia and the Pacific. Applicants from Africa aren’t eligible. If you’re in Africa, see the related opportunities open to Africans at the end.
Applications are open for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2027. This annual forum brings together young people aged 13 to 30 from across Asia and the Pacific to review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and agree on a regional Youth Call to Action, which feeds into UN processes, including the intergovernmental APFSD and the High-level Political Forum in New York.
The forum takes place in a hybrid format (in person and online) from 18 to 20 February 2027. Applications close on 16 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Bangkok time.
At a Glance
| Organisers | ARROW, with Youth LEAD, Y-PEER Asia Pacific Center and other regional youth networks, in collaboration with UN ESCAP, UNDP and YECAP |
| Who can apply | Young people aged 13–30 from Asia and the Pacific |
| Dates | 18–20 February 2027 (hybrid) |
| Language | English (interpretation can be requested) |
| Deadline | 16 November 2026, 11:59 PM Bangkok time |
About the Forum
The 2027 theme 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 forum reviews SDGs 4, 10, 12, 15 and 17, with SDGs 3, 5 and 13 as cross-cutting goals. Each main session is followed by a youth-led session, and participants help draft national, sub-regional and regional Youth Calls to Action.
Benefits
- A seat at one of Asia-Pacific’s main youth platforms on the SDGs
- The chance to shape the APFSD Youth Call to Action 2027, which feeds into UN processes such as the HLPF, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and COP 32
- Networking with UN agencies, governments, civil society and young leaders from across the region
- The option to submit an abstract and run a session on your own work
Note on funding: the organisers say they can’t fund all selected abstract presenters, and some will be asked to take part at their own expense. Check what support is available before you commit to travel.
Eligibility
- Aged 13–30, born on or after 21 February 1997.
- From the Asia and Pacific region.
- Committed to human rights-based approaches.
- Able to show strengths and understanding relevant to the SDGs under review.
- Priority goes to people from marginalised or excluded groups and hard-to-reach places.
- Applicants under 18 who are selected will need consent from a parent or guardian.
How to Apply
- Read the official call on ARROW’s website (link below).
- Complete the general Call for Applications form.
- If you want to present your work, also submit an abstract using the Abstract Submission Guideline. Abstract submitters must also complete the general application.
- Submit before 16 November 2026, 11:59 PM Bangkok time.
Official APFSD Youth Forum 2027 call for applications (ARROW)
Questions: [email protected]
