On April 3–4, 2025, the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) participated in the ninth edition of the Vatican Youth Symposium (VYS), co-hosted by SDSN Youth and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) at the Vatican. Convening 70+ changemakers from 38 countries, the Symposium served as a powerful platform for dialogue and exchange on sustainable development, youth leadership, and inclusive education.
Held under the theme “Voices of Change: Sparking Hope with Sustainable Solutions,” the 2025 VYS focused on the power of young people to envision and drive transformative action in the face of global crises. The event was curated by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of SDSN and BKMC Board Member, who underscored the importance of intergenerational dialogue and urgent educational reform to advance the 2030 Agenda.
Representing the BKMC, CEO Monika Froehler and Program Officer Philipp Harnik, inter alia, contributed to the thematic session “Educating with Impact: Skills and Knowledge for Sustainable Development.” The panel brought together leading voices from the Global Schools Program, Global Changemaker Schools, and other international education initiatives, highlighting how Global Citizenship Education (GCED), green skills, and participatory learning can empower youth to be proactive agents of change in their communities.
In her remarks, Froehler emphasized that education must not only transmit knowledge but instil values, build critical thinking, and cultivate a sense of shared responsibility—core pillars of SDG 4.7. Drawing on the BKMC’s work across more than 76 countries, she spotlighted key initiatives such as Mission 4.7, the International Forum on Education and Climate, and Your Future in Green Jobs, all of which are designed to translate policy into action and create inclusive learning opportunities for young people worldwide.
During the Closing Session, Monika Froehler reiterated a guiding principle of the BKMC:
“Hope is not just a feeling—it’s a call to act. And its subject is we.”
The Vatican Youth Symposium also marked an important occasion for the BKMC to strengthen ties with long-standing partners such as SDSN Youth and the Global Schools Program, aligning their collective efforts toward a more just and sustainable future.
As the international community approaches 2030, the Vatican Youth Symposium reaffirmed the urgency of equipping youth with the tools to lead. The BKMC remains committed to promoting Global Citizenship Education and fostering multilateral dialogue to ensure education fulfils its transformative potential.
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Check out pictures from the Vatican Youth Symposium 2025:
Copyright: Gabriella C. Marino / PASS
