News
Sailing for a Sustainable Future: Youth Leadership and Multi-Stakeholder Action for the SDGs
Peace Boat and Peace Boat US invite you to join us for a side event during the 2026 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations in New York, bringing together youth leaders, UN partners, civil society and the private sector to explore collaborative action for a more sustainable future.
Event Details
Sailing for a Sustainable Future: Multi-Stakeholder Engagement for the SDGs
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 13:00 – 16:00
Venue: 777 United Nations Plaza, 2nd Floor, New York
Registration: Register on Eventbrite
Held alongside the 2026 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) at United Nations Headquarters, this event will spotlight the power of youth leadership and multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals currently under review at this year’s forum: SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
A central focus of the event will be the experiences and reflections of participants from the “Youth for the SDGs” 2026 Latin America Voyage for the UN Ocean Decade, a Peace Boat US scholarship program endorsed by IOC UNESCO as a contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
From June 15 to July 1, 2026, youth leaders from around the world will travel onboard Peace Boat’s 123rd Global Voyage, sailing from Panama City through the Panama Canal to Guatemala and Mexico. Throughout the voyage, participants will engage directly with coastal communities, grassroots organizations and experts working on the frontlines of climate change, ocean conservation and sustainable development across Latin America.
Returning from the voyage just days before the HLPF, Youth for the SDGs scholars will share their experiences from onboard the ship and present the learning, insights and perspectives they gained through the program. Through firsthand stories from the field, participants will reflect on the importance of experiential learning, intercultural dialogue and youth-led action in addressing global challenges.
Their presentations will connect local realities and community-based solutions in Latin America to the SDGs under review at HLPF, from protecting water resources and marine ecosystems, to advancing renewable energy solutions, strengthening resilient communities, fostering innovation and building partnerships for sustainable development.
The event will highlight how immersive educational programs can empower young people to become leaders for climate justice, ocean protection and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Peace Boat US Director Emilie McGlone will also present the broader vision of the Youth for the SDGs program and Peace Boat’s ongoing contributions to the UN Ocean Decade through educational voyages and ocean-focused initiatives.
The program will additionally feature presentations from Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassadors, highlighting youth engagement with SDG 7 through renewable energy initiatives and partnerships with island nations and governments working toward a 100% renewable energy future by 2045.
Peace Boat will also introduce Ecoship, an innovative model for decarbonized maritime transportation and a vessel designed to sail for the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the international community works to accelerate action toward the 2030 Agenda, this event will provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration and youth-led solutions for a just and sustainable future.
