Participation of the CEO of the NTYCO, Ahmad Hewad Rahyab, at the Youth Speak Forum 2025

On 30 May 2025, Ahmad Hewad Rahyab, Chief Executive Officer of the New Thinker Youth Civil Organization (NTYCO), proudly represented the voice of Afghan youth at the Youth Speak Forum 2025 in Vienna, Austria. The forum, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), brought together young leaders from across the globe under the theme: “Youth for Global Goals: Innovation as a Solution.”

During his intervention, Mr. Rahyab highlighted that despite the ambitious timeline toward Agenda 2030, progress on many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals remains stagnant or even regressive. He presented evidence-based critiques on the current shortcomings and urged for greater innovation, accountability, and inclusive youth participation at all levels of decision-making.

Ahmad Hewad Rahyab’s presence at the Youth Speak Forum 2025 not only elevated the voice of Afghan youth in an international arena but also reaffirmed the New Thinker Youth Civil Organization’s commitment to contributing toward the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation, advocacy, and youth leadership.

His reflections and interventions called for more inclusive global partnerships and reinvigorated actions to address worsening global trends. As youth across the globe continue to mobilize for a better future, this forum served as a strong reminder that innovation-led, youth-centered change is not only necessary but urgent.