IMCS Pax Romana Asia-Pacific at the 12th APFSD 2025: Advancing Youth Voices for Sustainable Development

We are excited to share that IMCS Pax Romana Asia Pacific delegates, including student leaders from our Work-in-Commission members and interns from International Youth Training Centre-IYTC, were actively participating in the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) in Bangkok from February 25-28, 2025!

Under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific,” this year’s APFSD brings together global and regional leaders to assess progress on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

IMCS Pax Romana Asia-Pacific is committed to ensuring that youth voices are heard in shaping policies and solutions for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Our delegation will engage in meaningful dialogues, advocate for youth priorities, and contribute to policy recommendations that will be shared at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.

We invite you to follow our journey, support our advocacy, and collaborate with us in making a lasting impact on the sustainable development agenda in the Asia-Pacific region!

For more details on APFSD, visit:

Delegates’ testimony

“Participating in this forum has been a transformative experience, allowing me to connect with inspiring leaders, youth advocates, and policymakers across the Asia-Pacific region who are committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the most inspiring moments for me was hearing directly from young women leaders, especially those from rural and indigenous communities. Their stories highlighted how intersectional, community-driven solutions are critical for creating a just and equitable society. A key takeaway from this forum is the power of partnerships. SDG 17 reminds us that no one can tackle these challenges alone. Whether through grassroots initiatives, policy advocacy, or global cooperation, working together is essential to dismantle systemic inequalities and uplift marginalized voices. I am deeply grateful to IYTC-IMCS Pax Romana for this incredible opportunity and to all the participants who shared their insights and experiences. This forum has strengthened my commitment to advocating for gender equality and ensuring that no one is left behind as we work toward a just and sustainable future. Together, let’s continue to take action, amplify diverse voices, and build a world where everyone—regardless of gender—has the opportunity to thrive.”

Paula Silewe, IYTC’s Intern

“I recently had the privilege of attending APFSD 2025. The discussions at APFSD 2025 focused on several critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5 on Gender Equality, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 14 on Life Below Water, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. Throughout the event, I had the opportunity to listen to insightful reports and statements on sustainable development from a governor and a diplomat, both representing different countries. One of the highlights of my experience was spending time at the booths, where I engaged with various organizations, learned from their experiences, and shared information about IYTC and IMCS. I also attended several side events, but some of the most impactful ones for me were: "Leaving No One Behind in Tsunami Disaster", The Voluntary National Review (VNR), "Gender Equality and Decent Work as Pathways to Development Justice". Each session deepened my understanding of sustainable development and inclusive solutions, inspiring me to bring back these insights to my work and community. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of APFSD 2025 and for the valuable connections I made with like-minded individuals and organizations. This experience has further motivated me to continue learning and contributing to sustainable progress in my community.”

Niru Tamang, IYTC’s Intern

“This experience has been incredibly impactful, especially in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I’ve been deeply impressed by the depth of discussions and the commitment to driving progress across various sectors. What stood out most was the incredible insight and passion shown by the youth participants. Their perspectives on innovative health solutions, inclusive education, and the challenges posed by gender norms were particularly powerful. It is clear that youth today are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the driving forces of change right now. As a member of the IMCS Asia Pacific Skills and Training Commission, I am particularly focused on how education and skill development intersect with these SDGs. The Forum has provided invaluable opportunities to connect with fellow leaders, share best practices, and explore new collaborations to tackle these complex issues. I leave this experience with renewed energy and a clearer understanding of how to better support young people in leading the charge for sustainable development. I feel better equipped to fulfill my role and contribute more effectively to our shared mission. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this vital forum. The insights I’ve gained, particularly from the youth, will undoubtedly shape my work and guide our collective efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Rochelle Furtado, Member of IMCS AP-Skill and Training Commission

“Over the past few days, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on gender equality, climate action, and inclusive development at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD). We explored systemic barriers that prevent inclusive progress, the importance of political participation, and the urgent need for gender-responsive policies. These conversations highlighted that true development must be equitable and accessible to all. A key takeaway for me was the focus on the renewable energy transition and social inclusion—it’s clear that climate solutions must not only be sustainable but also just. The discussions on early warning systems and disaster preparedness underscored the critical need for stronger collaboration between governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to protect vulnerable communities. This forum reinforced my belief that while the challenges ahead are significant, progress is possible through collective action, policy innovation, and strong partnerships. As we move forward, let us remain committed to ensuring no one is left behind on the path to achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Aditya Rodriguez, Member of IMCS AP-Laudato Si’ (environment) Commission

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IMCS Asia Pacific

The International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Asia Pacific is a dynamic regional organization dedicated to empowering young Catholics to actively engage in social justice, human rights, and sustainable development. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, IMCS aims to nurture leadership, build solidarity, and inspire students to be agents of change within their communities and beyond.