New York — Young Chinese volunteers shared community-based solutions in environmental protection, mental health, digital innovation and cultural exchange at a side event of the 2026 United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) on July 8, demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to global sustainable development.
The side event, "Volunteering and Youth Leadership: Empowering the Future of Sustainable Development," brought together youth volunteers, nonprofit representatives and civil society organizations to discuss how volunteerism can help advance the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event was co-hosted by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation and partner organizations.
The 2026 HLPF, held from July 7 to July 15, is convened under the theme, "Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind." The annual forum brings together governments, international organizations and civil society representatives to review progress toward the SDGs and discuss solutions to shared global challenges.
Participants attend the U.N. High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. (Photo/Organizer)
"Volunteerism is not an optional addition to society but an essential foundation for building inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities," said Heather Shapter, Chair of the Forum Board and Chief Executive at the Crossroads International.
Sharpter said volunteers' dedication must be supported by strong institutional systems to achieve lasting impact. She highlighted the importance of established local organizations, standardized training, appropriate volunteer placement, safety protections and inclusive communities.
She also called on countries to recognize volunteerism as a strategic development asset by strengthening supporting infrastructure, supporting experienced local organizations, promoting knowledge sharing, encouraging evidence-based research and building partnerships based on mutual respect and shared participation.
Chen Can, deputy secretary-general of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, introduced the foundation's international volunteer service model.
Chen Can, deputy secretary-general of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, speaks with international experts. (Photo/Organizer)
According to Chen, the foundation has established partnerships with more than 180 nonprofit organizations in 42 countries. It has developed a five-dimensional support system covering funding, capacity building, volunteer teams, operational standards and service platforms. The foundation also established a dedicated international volunteer service fund and made what it said was the first non-country-specific donation to the United Nations Volunteers Special Voluntary Fund.
To date, the foundation has organized more than 500 public service activities involving Chinese and international volunteers. More than 700 foreign volunteers from over 80 countries living in Chongqing, together with more than 2,000 local volunteers, have contributed more than 16,000 hours of volunteer service.
During a session on mental health, Zhang Shiyang, Director General of the Sunshine Youth Development Research Center in the Chongqing High-tech Industrial Development Zone, shared the experience of the volunteer program.
The program has recruited young volunteers from Cabo Verde, Kenya, Pakistan and other countries to provide mental health screenings and free consultations for children and adolescents in mountainous areas of Chongqing and neighboring Sichuan Province. Drawing on research involving more than 50 contributing factors, the team identified key drivers of depression among left-behind children and developed a psychological screening system that has reached more than 230,000 young people.
During a series of short presentations, young volunteers showcased projects spanning biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, digital technology, education and cultural exchange. Presentations included an AI-powered biodiversity monitoring platform that enables the public to identify wildlife using image recognition, an ecological floating island built from recycled marine waste to create habitats for migratory birds, and a digital platform that encourages public participation in birdwatching and bird conservation.
Chinese youth share their volunteer experiences during the side event held on July 8. (Photo/Organizer)
Other speakers highlighted initiatives that encourage university volunteerism through long-term incentive mechanisms, promote traditional Chinese culture through community programs, and support ecosystem restoration and environmental conservation.
The projects reflected a broad range of youth-led efforts to address local challenges while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. By sharing practical experiences at the United Nations, the young volunteers demonstrated how community-based action can support global sustainable development through volunteerism, innovation and international cooperation.