This Guide focuses on what Governments can do to fulfill the vision enshrined in the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY). It acknowledges a need for a new impetus to be given to the design and implementation of youth policies and programmes. Each section of the book briefly examines the concept of each priority area and how it is experienced by youth. It looks at mechanisms and specific policies that may enhance the political, cultural and socio-economic opportunities for youth. The recommendations and ideas contained in the book are inspired by analyses, case studies, lessons learned and good practices documented by a wide range of sources. While some of the recommendations contained in this Guide may be considered “quick wins”, others can only be implemented effectively with long-term commitment and recognition by Governments.
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- Download parts:
- Foreword, key messages, acknowledgements and Table of Contents
- Part I: Introduction
- Part II: The need for partnerships
- Part III: Youth in a global economy
- Part IV: Youth and their well-being
- Part V: Youth in civil society
- Annex: Annex
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The following key policy messages form the foundation of the recommendations contained in this Guide:
- Recognize, address and respond to youth as a distinct but heterogeneous population group, with particular needs and capacities which stem from their formative age;
- Build the capabilities and expand the choices of young people by enhancing their access to and participation in all dimensions of society;
- Catalyze investment in youth so that they consistently have the proper resources, information and opportunities to realize their full potential;
- Change the public support available to youth from ad-hoc or last-minute to consistent and mainstreamed;
- Promote partnerships, cooperation and the strengthening of institutional capacity that contribute to more solid investments in youth;
- Support the goal of promoting youth themselves as valuable assets and effective partners;
- Include young people and their representative associations at all stages of the policy development and implementation process; and
- Transform the public perception of young people from neglect to priority, from a problem to a resource, and from suspicion to trust.