By Chioma Okoye
Olabode Maxwell-Akinyemi, Founder of Font Hall and award-winning tri-sector leader, has participated in the 2026 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States.

Maxwell-Akinyemi was formally invited by the President of ECOSOC, Lok Bahadur Thapa, to contribute to the global forum themed “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030.”

The forum, organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Youth Office and other partners, brought together young leaders, policymakers, and development stakeholders to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Discussions focused on innovation, infrastructure, sustainable cities, partnerships, and youth inclusion in governance and global decision-making processes.

Maxwell-Akinyemi’s participation reflects his work across technology, education, and youth development. Through Font Hall, he has led initiatives aimed at equipping young Africans with digital skills, and has contributed to global platforms such as the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community and Junior Achievement Worldwide.

Speaking during the sessions, he noted a growing global shift toward strengthening systems that support innovation at scale.

“There is a clear shift from just promoting ideas to strengthening the infrastructure that allows those ideas to grow,” he said.

He also stressed the need for inclusive urban planning in rapidly growing cities, particularly in emerging economies.

“In many emerging markets, cities are expanding faster than the systems that support them. The opportunity lies in ensuring innovation and planning evolve together,” he said.

On partnerships, he highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in scaling youth-led initiatives.

“Progress at this level depends on how well ecosystems—government, private sector, and communities—work together,” he added.

Maxwell-Akinyemi further emphasised the need for stronger youth participation in governance, noting that engagement should go beyond representation to actual influence in decision-making.

He described the SDGs as part of a broader, evolving development journey, stressing that sustainable progress requires continuity beyond set global targets.