From Organizing to Real Impact
Gava’s Journey at the ECOSOC Youth Forum
by Natalia de León Tello
At this year’s ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York, the energy of young changemakers from around the world filled the halls of the United Nations. Among them was Gava, a passionate youth leader from Indonesia whose role went far beyond that of a delegate—he was one of the key organizers helping shape the event from the inside out.
Gava at the UN Youth Forum on April 15-16, 2025
Gava currently serves as Chairperson of External Relations at the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), and his presence at the Forum reflected both the depth of his advocacy and his commitment to youth engagement in global health and policy processes. “We started planning back in December,” Gava explained. “From coordinating with UN departments to collaborating with MGCY and other stakeholders, it’s been a five-month journey of intense work.”
This year, Gava was also involved in planning for SDG 3-related sessions, bringing together youth voices to advocate for health and well-being. “It’s not just about the scale of the event,” he said, “but about the real impact we can create. The Forum is a place where youth perspectives can inform policy discussions that will later feed into the High-Level Political Forum.”
“It’s not just about the scale of the event, but about the real impact we can create.”
For Gava, being part of the organizing team wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was deeply personal. “I’m proud. After months of preparation, seeing everyone here, the connections being made, and the interventions from young people—it’s powerful,” he said.
He describes his experience at the Forum in three words: engaging, wonderful, and networking. Meeting youth from all over the world, from Suriname to Guatemala, has opened up new perspectives and opportunities for collaboration. “I’ve never been to Latin America,” he added with a smile, “but maybe that’s the next stop for ECOSOC!”
Still, Gava didn’t shy away from addressing some of the deeper challenges of global youth participation. “Access and equity remain major issues,” he said, referencing the difficulties many young people face in obtaining U.S. visas or covering travel costs. As part of the organizing team, he worked closely with networks like MGCY to offer legal support and guidance for navigating immigration procedures.
He also highlighted the positive strides being made. “This year, the UN Youth Office offered fifteen funded spots for youth to attend the Forum, compared to three last year. That’s a big step forward. Slowly but surely, we’re building more inclusive systems.”