ECOSOC United Nations Economic and Social Counci : Young People in Vanguard of Progress Inspire Change, Secretary-General Says in Message for Economic and Social Council Youth Forum

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' video message to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum in New York today:

Thank you for the opportunity to address this sixth ECOSOC Youth Forum. I am pleased to welcome so many ministers and other officials - and especially all the youth representatives.

Let me speak directly to these young participants. Just by being here, you show you care about the issues. Poverty. Unemployment. Climate change. Inequality. Injustice.

You, your friends and young people around the world are living these realities. Globally, 74 million young people cannot find a job.

Conflicts are shattering families - and driving record numbers of youth from their homes. Even where there is peace, young people suffer violence and discrimination.

Young people are also in the vanguard of progress - as entrepreneurs, activists and community leaders. You inspire change.

This Forum is interactive. We want to hear from you. Tell us how the United Nations can see the world from your perspective - and answer your concerns. All of you have the talent, energy and ideals to prevent conflicts, defend human rights, secure peace and realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We have already elevated youth issues on the global agenda. I thank Ahmad Alhendawi, the first-ever Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth. He has been a remarkable force in bringing together the United Nations and the world's young people.

We will build on this to create a safer and more stable world for all.

Thank you.