Launch of the Youth Network on Beyond GDP

At the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the Youth Network on Beyond GDP was officially launched at the official side event “Youth Moving Beyond GDP: Intergenerational Equity to Finance What We Value.”

The Youth Network was jointly launched by the Beyond Lab at UN Geneva, Rethinking Economics International, and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as part of the joint initiative “Youth Moving Beyond GDP.”  

This new global network is a transformative platform designed to place young people at the center of efforts to rethink how we define and measure progress. It brings together youth leaders and economic thinkers who are challenging the limits of GDP as the dominant metric in development policy. By creating space for intergenerational equity and innovation, the Youth Network supports a new generation of thinkers working to build economies that prioritize long-term well-being and sustainability for people and planet.

The Youth Network aims to amplify youth perspectives in global policy discussions, contribute directly to shaping new Beyond GDP frameworks, and foster intergenerational leadership in economic transformation. It is grounded in the belief that young people are not just future stakeholders — they are already driving change and offering visionary alternatives to outdated economic models.

Press Briefing on the Youth Network Announcement at FfD4

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The Youth Network will serve as a sounding board to global processes, including the Secretary-General’s High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP, ensuring that youth insights are embedded in the future of global economic governance. Through its partners, it is also part of the Sevilla Platform for Action (SPA) through the “Beyond GDP Global Alliance” initiative, also launched at FfD4 as part of the side event “New approaches for renewed international cooperation: ‘Insights for the Beyond GDP Global Alliance’.”

This is a space created by young people, for young people. Through collaboration with the UN system, the Rethinking Economics network, and the global Youth Essay Competition, the Youth Network will cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and representative community. It will offer opportunities for education, advocacy, and connection — keeping the Beyond GDP agenda accountable to future generations.

The global call for participation is now open. We invite young changemakers from all regions to apply and help lead the way toward a more just and sustainable world.

Apply here:  Youth Moving Beyond GDP Network - Airtable

Let’s move beyond GDP — together.

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Watch the full official side event “Youth Moving Beyond GDP: Intergenerational Equity to Finance What We Value” here:

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