The first UN Open Meeting with youth-led organisations, networks and movements concluded today with a final round of working groups during which final outcomes were formulated by the youth participants. This was preceded by a brief presentation of the BYND 2015 Youth Declaration by Ms Doreen Bogdan, Chief of ITU’s Strategic Planning and Membership Department.

Doreen Bogdan and Jose Maria Diaz Batanero from ITU briefing IANYD open meeting participants on the BYND2015 summit in Costa Rica.

Doreen Bogdan and Jose Maria Diaz Batanero from ITU briefing IANYD open meeting participants on the BYND2015 summit in Costa Rica.

The recommendations on the implementation of the System-wide Action Plan on Youth (Youth-SWAP) highlighted the need for effective youth participation in the implementation process of the action plan. Specific proposals covered the issue of shadow-reporting on the Youth-SWAP, as well as mechanisms for youth participation at national, regional and global levels, and communications strategy.

Members of the Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development (IANYD) renewed their commitment to working with young people directly on the implementation, as well as the monitoring and evaluation, of the Youth-SWAP.

Ahmad Alhendawi at the closing of the UN Open Meeting with youth

Ahmad Alhendawi at the closing of the UN Open Meeting with youth

In his closing remarks, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi stressed the importance of united action from the UN system through the Youth-SWAP, adding “Our work can always be improved, but we have to start with strategic partnerships.” Mr. Alhendawi also called for a media advisory board, to be formed by youth participants of the open meeting and to be working in close collaboration with his office.

The meeting was an opportunity to highlight the importance of partnerships with the private sector as well as media institutions.

Corinne Woods presenting the "People's Podium"

A side-event was also hosted by MTV on the occasion of the re-launch of MTV Voices, and where Mr. Alhendawi addressed the guests on the role of the media in bringing more attention to youth development. The United Nations Millennium Campaign’s Global Director, Ms. Corinne Woods, introduced the “People’s Podium,” a platform for citizens all over the world to share their thoughts and concerns with the United Nations.