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Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
1-3pm
Eastern Standard

About

The G-30 Forum
presents a unique opportunity for Member States, Civil Society leaders, private sector, government Leaders and innovators to engage in discussions and propose solutions that advance global sustainable development. We are Promoting an Action orientated approach to opportunities across all sectors.With that in mind, the side event at this this forum will center around key Global Goals critical to shaping a healthier, more equitable, and collaborative world.

Session 1

1pm Eastern

Building Economic Pathways for
Future Generations

Questions for Speakers

Education & Leadership :
Marc Medley

a. What innovative approaches in education and mentorship are showing the most promise in preparing young people for leadership and career readiness in the 21st century? (Marc Medley)b. How can schools and community programs accelerate youth leadership development, particularly in undeserved and marginalized communities? (Marc Medley)c. How do we ensure that education equips youth not only with knowledge but also with the resilience, values, and global citizenship needed to navigate today’s challenges? (Marc Medley)

Financial Empowerment:
Casteligh Johnson

a. What models of financial literacy and empowerment programs have shown the greatest success in helping youth and young adults access opportunities like savings, homeownership, or entrepreneurship? (Casteligh Johnson)b. How can we ensure that financial education is inclusive, accessible, and tailored to the realities young people face today? (Casteligh Johnson)

Mental Health & Wellbeing :
Daniel Regan

a. What breakthroughs or approaches in mental health care are reshaping the way we support youth, and how can we make these accessible across communities? (Daniel Regan)b. How can schools, faith-based groups, and local organizations better normalize mental health conversations and prevent crises among young people? (Daniel Regan)

Community & Reentry Support :
Reverend Bolivar Flores

a. What breakthroughs or approaches in mental health care are reshaping the way we support youth, and how can we make these accessible across communities? (Daniel Regan)b. How can schools, faith-based groups, and local organizations better normalize mental health conversations and prevent crises among young people? (Daniel Regan)

Big Picture & Systems Change
All Speakers – open reflections

a. Given the urgency of preparing youth for 2030 and beyond, what role should education, financial empowerment, and mental health play in helping young people thrive as global citizens? (All Speakers – open reflections)b. How do we balance the rapid pace of social and economic change with the need to safeguard equity, ethics, and inclusion in youth opportunities? (All Speakers – open reflections)c. What innovative partnerships between education, business, and community organizations could create the most lasting impact for youth access and opportunity? (All Speakers – open reflections))

Issues to be addressed:

Each speaker is asked to give their assessment of opportunities for Civil Society and Private Sector in their field and also make mention of issues they feel need to be addressed.

Objectives for Session 1

To Explore Youth Empowerment –Examine how education, mentorship, and leadership training prepare youth for careers and civic life.To Address Barriers – Look at systemic challenges such as mental health, financial literacy, and reentry, and discuss how to close access gaps.To Promote Partnerships – Show why collaboration between schools, nonprofits, community groups, and private sector is vital for impact.To Discuss Equity – Ensure opportunities are inclusive, ethical, and sustainable, particularly for marginalized and undeserved youth.To Inspire Action – Share practical strategies and success stories that can be replicated across communities.

Expected Outcomes

Conclusion

As the world navigates complex global challenges, youth engagement remains at the heart of sustainable solutions.This UNGA80 side event will seek to empower young leaders to take bold action, build meaningful collaborations, and create a future where health, equality, and partnerships thrive for all.

Theme : Strong Partnerships

“Advancing Global Partnership Through Innovation & Local Collaboration” A rapid-fire dive into breakthrough thinking and what it takes to co-create impact at scale across all Key Sectors

Session 1

1pm-1:45 pm
Eastern

Moderator

Chiliano Cruz

is a civic engagement strategist and nonprofit development leader with a strong record of advancing equity, opportunity, and empowerment for underserved communities. He holds a Master’s degree in United Nations and Policy Studies from Rutgers University and has extensive experience in building partnerships, securing sponsorships, and leading outreach efforts that connect civic organizations, businesses, and government. His background includes legislative research with the U.S. Senate and outreach coordination with four organizations, where he has worked to expand resources and create lasting community impact. Committed to meaningful change, Cruz brings together his skills in public policy, advocacy, and international relations with a genuine passion for service, leadership, and sustainable growth

Speakers Profile

Reverend Bolivar Flores

Bolívar Flores is a respected pastor and community leader whose work has touched thousands of lives across the United States and Latin America. After coming to the U.S. in 2004, he earned his degree in advanced ministerial studies from the New York Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2017 as Senior Pastor of El Ministerio El Sol Sale Para Todos Internacional. He has served in key roles such as Vice President of the Coalition of Pastors and Ministers of New Jersey, Chief Chaplain of West New York, and Chief of Staff at the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, where he has helped guide over 27,000 people returning from incarceration. Reverend Flores is also active in immigrant advocacy, labor rights, and the arts, building partnerships that connect faith, social justice, and community support. Known for his compassion and vision, he continues to lead with a strong commitment to dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.

Casteligh Johnson,

Casteligh Johnson is the Founder and CEO of My Home Pathway, a fintech company dedicated to making homeownership accessible for underserved communities. A graduate of NYU Stern School of Business, he began his career during the 2008 financial crisis, serving as a bank regulator at the New York Federal Reserve before working in risk management at major firms like Goldman Sachs, Ernst & Young, AIG, and the Bank of Montreal. His experiences revealed the deep inequities of the credit and housing systems, inspiring him to create a platform that provides clear financial guidance, access to down payment assistance, and trusted networks of lenders and realtors. Under his leadership, My Home Pathway has partnered with organizations like Wells Fargo, TransUnion, and Prudential to help individuals, especially millennials and minority communities, turn the dream of homeownership into reality. Guided by the belief that every heartbeat deserves a home, Johnson is committed to breaking systemic barriers, building generational wealth, and ensuring housing becomes a foundation of opportunity for all.

Mark Medley

Marc A. Medley is the principal of The Young Men’s Leadership Academy in Paterson, New Jersey, and the longtime host of the Saturday morning radio show The Reading Circle with Marc Medley. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from William Paterson College, a Master’s in Corporate and Organizational Communications from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from William Paterson University. He has also completed leadership studies at Princeton and Harvard. Over the years, Marc has been recognized in Who’s Who publications and has received many awards for his service in education, community work, and the military, including Teacher of the Year honors and community service awards. Beyond his career in education and broadcasting, he has served as an adjunct professor, a deacon at St. Luke Baptist Church, and a member and leader in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He also served nine years in the New Jersey Air National Guard as a jet engine mechanic.

Daniel Regan

Daniel Regan is the President of the New Jersey Coalition of Treatment Providers and CEO of HealingUS Centers, where he is leading efforts to transform the way mental health and addiction care is delivered. He has built a model of treatment that focuses on compassion, long-term recovery, and meeting people where they are. His approach combines clinical services, peer support, and integrative therapies to ensure no one is turned away because of financial barriers. Under his leadership, HealingUS Centers has become a place where individuals can find purpose, stability, and real support on their path to recovery. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Social Work and Psychology, Daniel is dedicated to making treatment more accessible and effective, helping people build healthier lives and stronger communities.

Session 2
Panel 2
2pm -3pm

Strengthening Local Communities and Strong Global Partnerships in Addressing key Issues through Education, Funding and Strategic Collaborations.Exploring innovation
Youth-led approaches, addressing health disparities, improving mental health support systems, and ensuring universal healthcare access, water and energy accessibility especially for communities world wide.Women’s EmpowermentStrengthening youth engagement in gender equality movements, policy reforms, and Tech and financial avenues of education and practical programmatic support that uplift women and girls globally.Global Partnerships
Promoting cross-sector collaborations and financial mechanisms that enhance our sustainable development initiatives.

Moderators

Dr. Saravanan Thangarajan

Dynamic and results-driven evaluation expert with over a decade of experience in global health leadership, participatory methodologies, and strategic evaluation. Proven track record of designing and implementing evidence-based frameworks to enhance healthcare systems and advance sexual and reproductive health in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and fostering inclusive partnerships that empower marginalized communities. Adept at leveraging qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform strategy and drive sustainable impact. Deeply committed to advancing equity, transparency, and accountability in global programs.

Robert Michael

Author and Global Advocate 2025, Audio and Video Engineer.Administrative Consultant for NGOs World Wide. Always happy to assist communities and organizations with multi media campaigns. Connecting trans national partners towards economic collaboration is his driving force after universal equality and harmony in all projects he is leading.

Dr. Binu Prakash

Dr. Binu Prakash holds a PhD in Biochemistry and has completed postdoctoral research in India and the Czech Republic. She is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Long Island, New York.Her research focuses on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, with particular interest in exploring novel pathways that could play a vital role in the development of new therapeutic drugs.

Rose Mmbaga

is a Tanzanian youth empowerment advocate and climate action champion. She is the Founder & CEO of Kijana Initiative Organization (KIO), equipping young people with skills in digital literacy, gender equality, and climate preparedness. With over 12 years of experience, she has led global campaigns, hosted digital events at the Global Landscapes Forum, and addressed the United Nations on climate action. She has been recognized among the 50 Most Influential Young Tanzanians and honored in the Hall of Fame for empowering thousands of young people through leadership and volunteering. She also serves as a Board Member at Ndoto in Action.

Mary Hildah Chirwa

is a Zambian student, author, and youth advocate passionate about advancing health, education, and empowerment. She is currently pursuing her Pharmacy studies and is committed to using her journey in science and leadership to inspire others. At 17, she published her first book Faith and Dreams: My Journey to Self-Reliance and Heritage, followed by her second, Don’t Play Yourself, both encouraging young people to embrace resilience, ambition, and self-love. Mary also serves as a KIO Ambassador and champions the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Heather Richmond

is an international businesswoman, creative strategist, and CEO of Creative Strategy Studios, a global firm producing world-class campaigns, cultural initiatives, and cross-border business activations. A Native American woman and proud descendant of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe, she brings a unique perspective on cultural empowerment, economic resilience, and indigenous representation in global business.Her career spans healthcare, technology, finance, and culture, where she has advised governments, corporations, and institutions on strategic growth and innovation. In the Bitcoin and digital asset space, Heather is at the forefront of international financial and cultural transformation, building platforms that connect global markets with emerging technologies.Heather is also a committed philanthropist, raising capital and leading initiatives to rebuild schools, strengthen healthcare systems, and support underserved communities worldwide. She is recognized for her ability to unite business leaders, policymakers, and cultural influencers around shared goals, advancing inclusion, sustainable development, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Lumbie Mlambo

is a Computer Science and Mathematics graduate from Indiana University South Bend and Texas Woman’s University. She is an enthusiastic supporter of clean water and giving women and girls the tools they need to live healthy, productive lives. She is also a philanthropist and a Global Goals Ambassador. She was raised in a rural area of Zimbabwe, Africa, where she attended school until the sixth grade before relocating to the inner city of Bulawayo to finish high school.Inspired by her orphaned father who never went to school but served as a revered humanitarian in his local community, Lumbie took the leap to continue her father’s legacy. As a result of her dedicated actions in serving the community’s needs, she started the 501(c)(3) nonprofit JB Dondolo, after her father’s namesake.

Timo Kooren

UN Ambassador for Hope XXl Representing the
Netherlands is a first year European Studies student at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. I am also a member and international delegate for Apex Development's Global Initiaitve.

Alimia Libela

Alimia Libela is a final-year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) student at Jordan University College (JUCo), Tanzania, with a strong focus on human rights, international law, public policy, and sustainable development. He has served as President of the JUCo Students’ Organization and held various student leadership roles, contributing to curriculum development and community legal aid.
Alimia has led youth-centered initiatives on sustainable development and child protection, notably organizing the 2024 Youth Summit on the SDGs in collaboration with Kijana Initiative Organization (KIO). He also serves as a KIO Ambassador.
His international engagements include academic research with Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Poland, where he has published on marriage law, freedom of conscience, and comparative legal systems. He presented at the 2025 UCBWR UKSW Conference and has contributed to global discourse through platforms like the TACUSU Symposium, UNESCO World Philosophy Day, and Wikipedia.
Alimia is passionate about advancing access to justice and promoting inclusive, sustainable development through legal and policy reform.

Bijumon Gangadharan

is the Co-founder and General Manager of Grace Engineering and Technical Services W.L.L. in Qatar, serving the oil and gas sector through engineering solutions and technical manpower services. He also serves as Director of Relish Fish Private Limited (India), advancing sustainable global seafood supply chains, and as Director of Doric UK Private Limited, a brand specializing in premium doors and drainage solutions.Appointed as Honorary Ambassador by the Ibero-America Trade Council, he has contributed to strengthening India’s ties with Ibero-American nations and facilitating bilateral trade initiatives. His work spans livelihood development, seafood trade, marine conservation, and sustainable business expansion, with a strong record of leading cross-border collaborations and large-scale ventures across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.