Italian Youth Forum in Genoa 2026: Youth, Water and Culture of Peace

Italian Youth Forum – Genoa 2026: overview and key topics

From 27 to 28 March 2026 the Italian Youth Forum was held in Genoa, organized by the Italian Association of Youth for UNESCO (AIGU). The event brought together young people from across Italy, institutions and experts to discuss UNESCO priorities, with a central theme on the Culture of Peace and alignment with the 2030 Agenda.

Genoa provided a symbolic setting: the city is home to the Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which this year marks its twentieth anniversary.

Program and format

Over the two days participants engaged in a mix of practical and discussion-based activities:

• thematic workshops on education, youth participation and governance;
• dialogue sessions with institutions and national guests;
• networking activities and participatory labs aimed at drafting concrete proposals.

Focus: water, inequality and peace

A major thread of the forum was the link between water management and geopolitical stability. A speaker from the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) presented the 2026 Annual Report, focused on water and gender inequalities. Discussions highlighted the need for integrated approaches that combine scientific knowledge, governance and community engagement to turn water from a source of conflict into an instrument of cooperation.

Outcomes and next steps

The forum concluded with a participatory session to develop practical recommendations, reinforcing the role of youth in promoting peace and sustainability. The outcomes will inform future UNESCO initiatives targeting younger generations.