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Vatican Youth Symposium Returns for its Ninth Edition, Inspiring Global Action for Sustainable Development

By SDSN Youth

Vatican City (March 24, 2025) — On April 3-4, 2025, the Vatican Youth Symposium returns to the Casina Pio IV in Vatican City, for its ninth edition, bringing together over 65 young leaders and experts from around the world to tackle some of today’s most urgent challenges. Organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Youth (SDSN Youth), this invitation-only event has become a crucial forum for intergenerational dialogue and action on sustainable development.

Visionary leaders from civil society, faith communities, business, government, and academia will lead dynamic sessions at the Symposium, forging powerful partnerships and igniting a global network of intergenerational changemakers committed to driving innovative sustainable solutions.

2025 Theme: Voices of Change

Inspired by Pope Francis' vision of a "healthier, more human, more social, and more integral" future, this year's theme, "Voices of Change: Sparking Hope with Sustainable Solutions," urges and challenges young changemakers to rethink progress and drive meaningful change.

Throughout the two-day event, young activists, innovators and seasoned professionals will engage in six impactful and engaging sessions, exploring innovative solutions to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Featured speakers include:

  • Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
  • Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
  • Monika Froehler, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens
  • Sinead Bovell, futurist and Founder of WAYE
  • Danilo Raponi, Group Head of Innovation at Generali.

These speakers will be accompanied by representatives from leading organizations, including the Science Panel for the Amazon, the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY), and the Global Schools Program.

New Interactive Design-Thinking Workshop Hosted by Generali

A key highlight of this year’s Symposium is a unique, hands-on three-hour practical workshop facilitated by the House of Insurtech Switzerland (HITS), a subsidiary of Generali, one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers operating in over 50 countries worldwide. The SDSN and Generali are aligned by a shared commitment to sustainability and leveraging new emerging trends — such as technology and connectivity — to drive and promote Innovation across their respective sectors.

The session, titled “The Arts and Craft of Innovation with Generali,” will introduce Human-centered design tools, explore creative thinking and problem-solving, and demonstrate how to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios. This first-of-its-kind session will equip participants with the tools and knowledge to foster innovation everywhere, anytime. By learning how to apply innovation frameworks to real-world problems, participants will gain valuable skills to drive and scale their projects, leveraging emerging technologies and global connectivity to drive meaningful impact.

A Global, Inclusive Movement

The 2025 Symposium will have strong representation from the Global South and leaders under 35 years old. This commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) reflects the SDSN’s mission to foster a global movement for sustainable development that is inclusive and representative.

Amid growing global crisis, the Vatican Youth Symposium empowers the next generation, providing young leaders with a platform to use their voice, form alliances, and take concrete actions for a more sustainable and just world.

For more information, visit: https://www.sdsnyouth.org/vatican-youth-symposium

For questions or inquiries, contact: [email protected]