Hunt Hill Farm to Host Official United Nations Youth Forum Side Event "Igniting Change Through Youth Social Entrepreneurship II"

Hunt Hill Farm, a proud United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) accredited NGO since 2022 in partnership with the Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health (GIWEH), Barco Sorriso NGO, and CUFA GLOBAL, is excited to announce it will host an official United Nations Youth Forum side event titled "Igniting Change Through Youth Social Entrepreneurship II." This year marks the second time Hunt Hill Farm has been entrusted with hosting this prestigious event, continuing its commitment to fostering youth leadership and innovation.

Last year’s success saw Hunt Hill Farm, in collaboration with the Town of New Milford Youth Agency, bring 12 local children to the opening ceremony of the UN Youth Forum at the UN Headquarters in New York City. It was a groundbreaking experience, offering these young participants a front-row seat to the world’s largest and most important youth event.

This year’s event focuses on presenting tangible outcomes from the 2024 session while updating the program concept note to reflect new partnerships and broadened opportunities for youth social entrepreneurship. The program will explore four key guiding questions grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Health and Well-Being (SDG 3): How can youth-led social entrepreneurship initiatives address mental health challenges and promote well-being, particularly among marginalized groups?
2. Gender Equality and Empowerment (SDG 5): What strategies can ensure equitable access for women and girls, fostering leadership and eliminating barriers?
3. Economic Growth and Employment (SDG 8): How can youth entrepreneurship ventures create sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent job opportunities?
4. Global Partnerships (SDG 17): What role can multi-stakeholder partnerships play in scaling youth entrepreneurship programs for cross-sector SDG alignment?

The event also aims to empower young entrepreneurs as key stakeholders in shaping a sustainable future, build a team of youth changemakers, and create a safe, youth-exclusive online platform for exchanging solutions and opportunities.

Distinguished speakers and panelists include Dr. Hanifa Mezoui from AICESIS, Dr. Stephanie Soalt, Hunt Hill Farm's Director of Social Emotional Learning and Special Needs, Jason O'Connor, Executive Director of the New Milford Youth Agency, Mayor Pete Bass from the Town of New Milford, Dr. Anjanette DeCarlo Chief Sustainability Scientist at the Aromatic Plant Research Center at Saint Michael's College, Victor Lozetti, CEO at WALO Generative AI, Chef Carlos Nuno, 22 y/o social entrepreneur from the Azores-Pt, and the inspiring Allison Danial - 16-year-old social entrepreneur & Hunt Hill Farm's Youth Ambassador. This lineup of visionaries and changemakers will engage in vital conversations and encourage attendees to reimagine social entrepreneurship as a vehicle for youth-driven transformation.

“We are cutting through red tape, fostering creativity, and championing innovation. This initiative creates a sustainable template for tangible opportunities that equip youth to thrive and transform their lives. By offering the right tools and conditions, we empower young leaders to build a better world,” said Alessandro Piovezahn, President of Hunt Hill Farm NGO.

An Invitation to Youth Leaders
Youth leaders and audiences are invited to attend, connect, and engage in this critical discussion on sustainable development and youth aspirations. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and interact with distinguished speakers and peers from across the globe.

"I'm thrilled to attend the opening ceremony of the United Nations Youth Forum at UNHQ on April 15 and speak at Hunt Hill Farm on the 16. Being an entrepreneur has been a part of my life since I was six, and now at sixteen, I see how my ideas and experiences can truly make a difference for other young people. Working with Hunt Hill Farm over the past three years has been transformative for me, helping me refine my decisions, understand how my achievements can uplift others, and giving me a safe space to share my thoughts without fear. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and I hope to inspire others to realize their potential too." Said Allison Danial

The event will take place at The Silo, 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT 06776, and will be livestreamed at www.hunthillfarm.org/youth2025. For more information, contact Hunt Hill Farm at 860-355-0300 or email info@thesilo.org.

To Download the UN approved concept note:
www.thesilo.org/....

A Word from Local Leaders and a Proud Mom
Mayor Pete Bass expressed his pride, stating, “We are honored to have a United Nations-accredited NGO like Hunt Hill Farm here in New Milford. Hosting an official UN-approved event highlights the incredible potential of initiatives developed in our community. This work truly reflects the spirit of collaboration and innovation we strive for in New Milford.”

Jason O'Connor, Executive Director of the New Milford Youth Agency, reflected on last year’s achievements, adding, “Attending the UN Youth Forum at the UN Headquarters was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our kids. It was a truly transformative experience, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this year’s event. Hunt Hill Farm’s accredited status opens doors to incredible opportunities, and we look forward to another year of inspiration and growth.”

As a mother, I couldn’t be prouder of Allison and all that she’s accomplished. Watching her dedication grow from a young girl selling her first creations to speaking at events like the UN Youth Forum is truly inspiring. Being part of the Hunt Hill Farm family has been an incredible experience for both of us. Their commitment to empowering youth, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, is unmatched. I’m deeply grateful for their support in helping my daughter and so many others believe in themselves and their potential to shape a better future." - Cynthia Danial

The 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Robert Rae, President of ECOSOC, continues its mission to leave no one behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. With its emphasis on inclusivity, digital transformation, and youth empowerment, this year’s forum promises to be a beacon of progress and inspiration for the next generation of changemakers.

For press inquiries, contact Hunt Hill Farm directly at info@thesilo.org.