In April 2025, Maqoor Environmental NGO was represented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the ECOSOC Youth Forum, one of the UN’s most important global platforms for youth engagement in policymaking and sustainable development.
Gevorg Ghazaryan, Co-Founder of Maqoor, participated in the Forum as a representative of Armenian youth, contributing to discussions on the role of young people in shaping more sustainable and resilient communities.
A key highlight of Gevorg’s participation was his contribution as a speaker on a panel focused on the “Importance of Grassroots Organizing.” Drawing from Maqoor’s experience working directly with youth across Armenia, he emphasized the critical role of local initiatives in addressing environmental challenges and strengthening civic engagement.
He highlighted how grassroots efforts, often led by young people, are essential in translating global goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), into tangible, community-level impact. Through examples from Maqoor’s work, including youth engagement programs and Eco-Activism Centers, he demonstrated how empowering local communities can create sustainable, long-term change.
Beyond the panel, the Forum provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with UN delegations, policymakers, and youth leaders from around the world. These conversations focused on climate action, sustainable development, and the role of youth in governance.
Gevorg actively participated in dialogues with representatives from various countries, sharing perspectives from Armenia while also learning from global best practices. These exchanges reinforced the importance of collaboration between local organizations and international institutions in addressing shared challenges.
Participation in the ECOSOC Youth Forum marked an important moment for both Maqoor and Armenian youth representation at the international level. It provided a platform to amplify the voices of young people working on environmental and civic issues in Armenia, while also positioning Maqoor as an active contributor to global discussions on sustainability and youth engagement.
Experiences like the ECOSOC Youth Forum highlight the growing importance of connecting grassroots initiatives with global policy spaces. For Maqoor, this participation is not an endpoint, but part of a broader effort to strengthen the role of youth in shaping Armenia’s future.
We remain committed to building on these experiences by expanding our programs, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to ensure that the voices of young people in Armenia are heard, both locally and internationally.
