Mathare, Nairobi
At Mto Wangu Initiative, we believe in the transformative power of community, sustainability, and youth leadership. This belief was reaffirmed on a historic day as we had the immense honor of hosting His Excellency Ambassador Bob Rae, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and The Canadian High Commision Team, at our Mathare Community Park and Playground.
This special visit came at a pivotal moment — during the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025, held under the powerful theme: "Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development." Ambassador Rae’s presence in Mathare was more than ceremonial — it was a heartfelt affirmation of the role grassroots communities play in the global push toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
About the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025
The 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum, held from 15–17 April at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, is the UN’s largest annual gathering of young leaders and changemakers. Under the theme, “Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development,” the Forum focused on accelerating progress toward the 2030 Agenda through youth-led, science-informed, and inclusive approaches.
Convened by H.E. Ambassador Bob Rae, President of ECOSOC, and organized in collaboration with UN DESA, the UN Youth Office, and youth networks like the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), this year’s Forum offered a powerful platform for young people to influence global policymaking.
The sessions tackled the five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review this year:
- 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
Beyond thematic plenaries, regional breakout discussions enabled youth to spotlight local challenges and innovations — affirming that youth engagement must be context-specific, community-rooted, and globally connected.
As highlighted in the “#YouthLead: From Local to Global” session, meaningful youth participation in policymaking begins with empowering young people at the grassroots. Ambassador Rae’s visit to Mathare embodied this principle in action — reinforcing that local voices are essential contributors to global progress.
The Forum’s outcomes, including the Presidential Statement and the Voices of Youth declaration, will shape the 2025 High-level Political Forum, the UN Ocean Conference, and the Second World Summit for Social Development — positioning youth not just as participants, but as co-creators of the future.
Faith Adoyo (wearing a reflector), The Mto Wangu Initiative community Researcher showcasing some of our achievements and commitments to Amb. Bob Rae
A Day Rooted in Purpose
The visit was rich in symbolism and action. A highlight of the day was the tree-planting ceremony — an act that perfectly mirrored the ECOSOC Forum’s emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and inclusive development. With spades in hand and hope in our hearts, youth leaders from Mathare joined Ambassador Rae in planting trees that will grow alongside the dreams of our future generations.
The activity also echoed the Forum’s commitments to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) — a reminder that even the most localized acts of care and conservation contribute to our collective climate goals.
The ceremonial tree planting session at Mathare Community Park
A Tribute to Legacy and Learning
During his visit, Ambassador Rae paid tribute to the late Bob Munro, founder of the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), whose visionary leadership forever changed youth empowerment in Kenya. This moment of reflection reminded us all that impactful development is built on the shoulders of those who dared to believe in the power of youth and community.
A group photo with some of the talented young players at Austin Grounds in Mathare. Behind is the mural drawing of Bob Munro, the Founder Mathare United FC and Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA)
Adding to the intergenerational inspiration was a meaningful engagement between Ambassador Rae and the scholars of the Canada-Mathare Education Trust (C-MET). Their interaction emphasized a core ECOSOC value — that education and mentorship are fundamental to social development and economic opportunity, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Local Voices in Global Dialogues
Ambassador Rae’s visit was not only a gesture of diplomatic goodwill but a tangible demonstration of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in action. His engagement with Mto Wangu Initiative and the broader Mathare community underscored the importance of youth-led, community-rooted initiatives in shaping sustainable solutions — a key pillar of this year’s ECOSOC Youth Forum.
Just as the ECOSOC Forum amplifies youth perspectives on global platforms, Mto Wangu Initiative creates space for youth to lead change locally — a reflection of the #YouthLead spirit. Our community-based efforts in green spaces, education, and public health directly contribute to the UN's broader mandate to leave no one behind.
Sharon Akinyi, Mto wangu Initiative coordinator, gifting Amb. Bob Rae a "Made in Mathare" T-shirt
Looking Forward: Growing Together
We are deeply grateful to Ambassador Bob Rae, the Canadian High Commission, and our partners at UNECOSOC for this memorable day. The visit was a meaningful exchange of ideas, values, and visions for the future.
As we continue nurturing this relationship, we remain committed to being a model for how community-driven action, guided by global goals and united through partnerships, can foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and hopeful future for all.
Taking a stroll on the streets of Mathare, Nairobi