In this 2024 ECOSOC Partnership Forum Virtual Side Event, we discuss the emerging trends pertaining to the involvement and attainment rates of youth in upper secondary, tertiary education, and vocational training, as well as their progression into gainful employment. The increasing issue of youth non-engagement is of global concern. We outline the significance of policies and investments aimed at fostering equity and inclusivity in educational and vocational training to enhance the resilience of youth and the labor force susceptible to economic, social, and environmental shocks.

This session is in accordance with the overarching theme of the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), namely, “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises,” specifically addressing SDG 1.5 and incorporating the  cross-cutting influence of SDG 4.7. The work of Mission 4.7 is also emphasized, which envisions a world wherein the Sustainable Development Goals are realized through the collaborative endeavors of educators and practitioners across governmental, corporate, and civil society sectors, equipping them with pertinent educational content and training to actively participate in the labor force to advance sustainable development.