Leadership and Collective Action
Mobilizing the Next Generation for Peace and Justice
PCUN Youth Forum 2026
Motivation and Mobilization
Psychology That Empowers Youth Leaders and Their Allies.
Organized by the SPSSI United Nations NGO Team.
The 2026 PCUN Youth Forum will bring together young leaders, researchers, practitioners, and allies to explore how psychological insight can strengthen collective action, belonging, innovation, and sustained engagement.
Join the SPSSI United Nations NGO Team mailing list to receive event announcements, registration information, and program updates.
About the Forum
Youth leadership is already shaping the future.
Young leaders around the world are advancing new approaches to environmental sustainability, mental health, conflict-related displacement, artificial intelligence, racial equity, gender and LGBTQI+ rights, education, and other urgent challenges.
The PCUN Youth Forum will create space for young people to share what motivates their work, strengthen connections across communities, and explore how psychology can support meaningful and sustainable collective action.
This year’s forum is organized by the SPSSI United Nations NGO Team in collaboration with the Psychology Coalition at the United Nations.
Thematic Sessions
Program themes
The forum is being developed around five areas connecting psychological research with youth leadership, collective action, innovation, and well-being.
Motivation to Action
From Psychological Insight to Collective Impact
Representation and Belonging
Transforming Narratives to Expand Opportunity
Youth Innovation and Research
Elevating Youth as Knowledge Producers
Mental Health and Well-Being
Sustaining Engagement Through Psychological Resilience
Participation
Designed for youth leaders and the people who support them.
Undergraduate students
Graduate students
High school students from participating schools
Youth advocates and organizers
Researchers and practitioners focused on youth activism
Planning Is Underway
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The final date, registration process, agenda, speakers, and participation details will be announced as planning continues.
Get Event Updates , opens in a new tab2026 Organizing Team
Organized through international collaboration
The 2026 PCUN Youth Forum is being organized by the SPSSI United Nations NGO Team in collaboration with the Psychology Coalition at the United Nations.
Lead Organizer and Contact
Dr. David Livert
SPSSI’s Main Representative to the United Nations
Dr. Livert serves as a lead organizer for the 2026 PCUN Youth Forum and as the primary contact for further information.
Email:
Livert (@) psu (dot) edu
- Organized by SPSSI United Nations NGO Team
- Convened through Psychology Coalition at the United Nations
- Collaborating organizations Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and World Federation of Youth
- Invited collaborator United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
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SPSSI United Nations NGO Team mailing list
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for event announcements and registration updates.