Refugee Youth Demand Urgent Global Action On Skills, Jobs, And Inclusion Amid Rising Forced Displacement

As global displacement reaches unprecedented levels, refugee youth leaders, governments, and international organizations have issued a strong call for urgent investment in education, skills development, and decent work opportunities for displaced young people. Speaking at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026, participants warned that millions of refugee youth risk being permanently excluded from economic and social opportunities unless immediate action is taken.

The appeal came during a high-level side event titled “Link, Learn, Localize: Working with and for Young People to Advance Self-Reliance in Forced Displacement Contexts,” which brought together nearly 70 representatives from Member States, United Nations agencies, refugee youth-led organizations, civil society groups, and development partners.

Kellie Leeson, Vice President at the Women’s Refugee Commission, discussed the persistent barriers facing refugee youth-led organizations. She pointed to legal documentation issues, compliance requirements, and funding restrictions that often prevent grassroots refugee organizations from accessing international support. Despite these challenges, she emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to channel resources directly to refugee-led initiatives.