On February 5, the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) was honored to be one of six nongovernmental organizations given the opportunity to speak at the United Nations 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event focused on advancing global partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals and was attended by over 400 representatives from Member States, international organizations, and civil society.
An IAYSP representative from the USA, Ms. Nagma Shrestha, highlighted efforts to empower youth to take action in local communities through initiatives such as the Peace Designer program. This curriculum encourages youth involvement and ownership via designing and implementing self-sponsored, community-service projects. Ms. Shrestha also urged governments and international bodies to invest in youth-led projects that would amplify young voices in helping to shape global policies. One of the key concepts of IAYSP, Hyojeong, is a Korean term meaning “filial heart.” The term was coined by Dr. Hak Ja Han, IAYSP’s founder, and it challenges young leaders to take responsibility for creating a peaceful, sustainable world at the local level through active community involvement. “The honor of IAYSP represented at this UN ECOSOC forum was a significant milestone for us,” said Dr. Koji Matsuda, the IAYSP International President. “We are encouraged and challenged to be a more effective bridge between youth, policymakers, and global institutions such as the UN.”
Statement by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP)
Delivered at the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum on February 5, 2025
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and stakeholders,
The International Association of Youth and Students for Peace, or IAYSP, is honored to contribute to the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum. As an organization committed to empowering youth through community-driven initiatives and intergenerational partnerships, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda.
At IAYSP, we believe that youth are not mere beneficiaries of sustainable development; they are active partners in driving transformative change. Through innovative partnerships, we seek to harness their creativity and determination to address global challenges. IAYSP has partnered with local organizations and educational institutions to organize the Peace Designer Seminar programs, which empower youth to identify community challenges and design practical solutions. These youth-led projects, addressing gender equality and social cohesion, have already benefited hundreds in their communities. This reflects the importance of empowering young people by ensuring their meaningful participation in global processes, fostering opportunities for them to engage in local and global dialogues, and supporting them to lead and implement the solutions that directly impact their lives and communities.
Inclusivity and diversity are at the core of effective partnerships. Guided by our interfaith principles, IAYSP has facilitated dialogue among youth from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. These dialogues empower young leaders to dismantle systemic barriers, champion opportunities for all, and create spaces for equitable participation. A concept central to our efforts is hyojeong, a Korean term that can be interpreted as “heart of devotion.” Introduced by our founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han, it embodies ethical leadership grounded in love, respect, and service. It encourages individuals to take responsibility in building a peaceful and sustainable world by leading with empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared duty.
Today, we call on governments, the private sector, and civil society to invest in youth-led initiatives, strengthen intergenerational partnerships, and amplify youth voices in decision-making. Young people expressed hopes for the Summit of the Future and a Pact that safeguards their rights and the world. These voices shaped the Summit outcomes, and now member states must fulfill those commitments for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Thank you.
