Naveen Gautam creates history, becomes first Dalit youth to moderate session at UN

By A Representative 

In a historic moment for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, Mr. Naveen Gautam of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) became the first Dalit youth to moderate a session at any United Nations forum.

Youth leaders from around the world and from marginalized communities convened at the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025 to address systemic discrimination and advocate for inclusive social development.

The GFoD is a platform that advocates for the rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. These communities include Dalits in Asia, Haratine in Mauritania, Quilombolas in Brazil, and Roma in Europe, all of whom face systemic exclusion and marginalization. GFoD works to integrate these communities into broader society by promoting gender parity, access to holistic development, fair justice delivery, environmental protection, and equitable disaster mitigation, grounded in the values of self-respect, equality, and freedom.

The session, titled “Social Development: Youth Solutions for an Inclusive Future,” was moderated by Mr. Gautam, representing the Stakeholder Group of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent Youth Constituency. He opened the session by highlighting the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities.

He began his address with, “Jai Bheem, Salam, and Namaste,” and continued, “I come from the Dalit community in India — one of the most systematically marginalized communities in the world. To be standing here, moderating this global platform, is not just personal — it's political.”

Mr. Gautam emphasized the ongoing struggles despite past commitments: “It’s been thirty years since world leaders made bold commitments at the first World Social Summit in Copenhagen. Yet for many of us — youth across the Global South, from Indigenous groups, informal settlements, displaced communities, and communities discriminated on work and descent — those promises are still a work in progress.”

“Today, we face compounding social crises and exclusion: gender inequality, housing, mental health, decent work, exclusion, access to justice, and the threats of misinformation and digital violence. And yet, youth are not sitting on the sidelines — we are organizing, mobilizing, and leading solutions. Over the past year, the Major Group for Children and Youth has been driving a progressive, youth-led roadmap toward the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar — centering grassroots youth voices, organizing both virtual and community consultations, and shaping collective youth priorities to inform every step of the negotiation process. We are democratizing knowledge through the Children and Youth Info Hub — making information on the Social Summit and its processes accessible to young people and supporting them to take action. And we are making youth voices heard every step of the way — from CSocD to the Third Committee, and now here today at the ECOSOC Youth Forum,” he added.

The session featured youth leaders including Ms. Alejandra Tentle, an Afro-Mexican feminist and activist; Ms. Divine Irakoze, a youth and refugee advocate; and Mr. Charles Katoanga, who leads the Division for Inclusive Social Development.

Ms. Tentle discussed the challenges faced by youth organizations in social development, emphasizing the need for governmental and UN support to overcome barriers. Ms. Irakoze highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement of marginalized youth, stating, “We are not a story to inspire; we are leaders of today.”

Mr. Katoanga underscored the necessity of sustained youth involvement in policymaking: “The full impact of youth engagement will be realized only when they are fully engaged — from policy development to its implementation.”

In his closing remarks, Mr. Gautam reiterated the significance of the session: “This ECOSOC Youth Forum session marks an important mid-point in this process and a chance to center our struggles, our solutions, and our power.” He called for continued efforts to ensure that marginalized communities are not left behind in the pursuit of social justice and development.

Founded in 2019, GFoD aligns with the “Leave No One Behind” principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, striving for inclusive societies where all individuals can live with dignity and peace.