Youth Network on Beyond GDP Launch at IYC11

At the International Youth Conference 11 (IYC11), the launch of the Youth Network on Beyond GDP was announced, as part of the Youth Moving Beyond GDP initiative.

Launched at the United Nations, this initiative responds directly to the commitment made by all UN Member States at the Summit of the Future to urgently develop new measures of progress on sustainable development that go beyond GDP. Our goal is to ensure that intergenerational equity is placed at the heart of this process.‍

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‍Why it matters

Sustainable development is rooted in intergenerational equity—meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Yet, current systems often prioritize short-term economic gains. GDP, as the dominant measure of progress, reinforces this imbalance by focusing narrowly on economic output, ignoring long-term environmental and social consequences.

Young people and future generations are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are active change-makers today. Their perspectives must shape how we define and measure progress.

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What we’re doing

The Youth Moving Beyond GDP initiative, in partnership with Rethinking Economics International and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), aims to break the “intergenerational glass ceiling” in economic discourse by:

• Fostering inclusive and transformative engagement of young people
• Promoting the needs and interests of future generations‍‍

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How to get involved

We are now building a Youth Network to serve as a platform for engagement, collaboration, and influence. Activities will include:

• Participation in UN-led and national processes
• Contribution to youth-led policy recommendations
• Serving as a sounding board to Member States and UN expert groups
• Grassroots engagement and sustained bottom-up action

Be part of this growing global movement.

Apply now to join the Youth Network on Beyond GDP and reshape the future of sustainable development and economic policymaking.

Apply here by scanning the QR code:

Watch the full announcement here:

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