The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum is an annual initiative where young people can contribute to policy discussions at the United Nations through their collective ideas, solutions and innovations. On April 17th, 2025, the future of Malawi was present at this year’s ECOSOC Youth Forum in Lilongwe. Our team, eager representatives, was immediately drawn into the vibrant conversation surrounding the Malawi side event’s theme: “Inclusive Youth Economic Empowerment: Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation in Malawi.”
Mr. Isaac Katopola, the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sports opened the proceedings. His words set the tone for a day where young people were empowered as change makers and policy influencers. Despite widespread poverty and unemployment, Malawi’s youth were already proving their innovative spirit.
Keynote speaker, Emmanuel Banda didn’t shy away from harsh realities—limited access to education, underdeveloped skills, limited digital infrastructure. His words emphasized the potential of youth in Malawi, who are innovating and building solutions in various sectors, including agriculture, education, and health: “Youth don’t need charity, they need investment,” he called for investment in youth, not just as recipients of aid but as creators and innovators.
The forum’s energy peaked during panel discussions featuring both established experts and emerging innovators. Malawi University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Professor Address Malata spoke of academia’s role, while a Youth Innovator Mr. Staff Nyoni demonstrated his assistive technology for visually impaired students, bringing theory into practice before everyone’s eyes.
A powerful moment came when Gracious Chipofya, our Digital and Communications Officer who highlighted the prohibitive costs of innovation tools, especially for disabled youth. This sparked crucial dialogue about inclusive access and governmental support through partnerships with the National Youth Council and the Malawi Council of Disability Affairs.
As participants departed, Malawi peeked not just its future, but its present strength unfolding through its most valuable resource – the bright minds of its youth.
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