Outcome Summary of the Global Youth Summit 2026 Hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI)

From 29 to 31 July, the Global Youth Summit 2026, hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI), was held in New York. The Summit was organized with a focus on youth empowerment and aimed to foster the development of the next generation of leaders who are capable of taking action to address challenges facing the international community and contribute to the realization of global peace. Ten Japanese junior and senior high school students also participated in the Summit as part of the New York training programme organized by the JCI Japan Global Peace Conference under the “Global Youth Ambassador Development Project” implemented by JCI Japan.
 
On 30 July, the Global Leadership Fireside Chat (fireside chat) was held at Japan Society. Eight guest speakers took the stage and shared their experiences in response to questions from the moderator, followed by an interactive exchange with participants through questions from the audience. H.E. Mr. Tomohiro Mikanagi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations also participated as a panelist and shared his views on leadership principles underpinning Japan’s engagement at the United Nations, as well as how youth organizations and governments can further collaborate to advance the SDGs.
 
On 31 July, at the Global Youth Summit Plenary Session held at United Nations Headquarters, Mr. Takatoshi Mori, Minister of Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations joined and delivered a statement. He emphasized that, in achieving the SDGs, young people are not only future leaders but also important partners who are working together to address challenges from today.
 
Japan has long placed emphasis on education and human resource development under the principle of “human security,” which places each individual at the center and seeks to protect their dignity and enhance their capabilities. We will continue to support initiatives that contribute to nurturing the next generation of leaders and promote efforts to create opportunities for youth engagement and empowerment.