Research, eight proposed goals and a national coalition will bring youth priorities into focus on 4 November.
Global Unites today convened the National Youth Futures Forum at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo, bringing together young people and representatives from across sectors to advance a shared agenda for youth development and national unity.
The forum presented national youth research and policy recommendations, introduce eight proposed goals, and launched the National Coalition for Youth Development and National Unity.
The initiative draws on a survey of approximately 2,500 respondents across all 25 districts, complemented by 22 consultations across the nine provinces and a youth oratory competition conducted in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Together, these efforts have sought to understand young people’s experiences, concerns and aspirations, and translate their perspectives into practical proposals for action.
The research and consultations explore issues including education, employment, financial pressures, mental wellbeing, discrimination, relationships across communities and young people’s participation in decisions affecting their lives.
“Young people across Sri Lanka have ideas, ability and a deep desire to contribute. We need to listen carefully and work alongside them to create opportunities to serve and lead,” said Prashan De Visser, Founder and President of Global Unites. “This forum is an invitation to turn what we have heard into a shared commitment: improving young people’s lives while building trust across the divisions that have held our country back.”
The proposed framework sets out eight connected goals:
1. Equal opportunities to learn
2. Economic dignity for every young person
3. Mental health and wellbeing
4. Equal citizenship without discrimination
5. Relationships across communities
6. A meaningful youth voice
7. Truthful and peaceful public life
8. Reconciliation, service and a shared future
The goals are intended to guide collaboration over the next five years. Through the national coalition, participating organisations will be invited to help develop a shared strategic plan, identify measurable priorities and contribute through research, grassroots programmes, mentorship, skills development and policy engagement.
The forum takes place on the final day of the My Sri Lanka Leaders’ Summit, which has brought together 200 selected young people from approximately 800 applicants. The summit encourages participants to build relationships across ethnic, religious and communal divides and make practical commitments to serving Sri Lanka.
The forum programme will also recognise contributions to peace, reconciliation and national unity, and introduce opportunities for young people, mentors and institutions to participate in the work ahead.
