Protecting and mobilizing youth in COVID-19 responses
Socioeconomic impacts Prior to the onset of COVID-19, youth (aged 15 to 24) were already three times more likely to be unemployed compared to adults, while 126 million young workers were in extreme and moderate poverty worldwide (International Labour Organization, 2020). Young workers are also more likely to be in precarious employment than other age […]
UN IANYD Statement on COVID-19 and Youth
The unprecedented global health crisis we are facing is affecting all parts of society and changing lives and livelihoods. In all types of crises and times of need, from climate change to armed conflict or political unrest, young people and youth-led organizations have been quick to take action and respond to the needs of others. […]
Youth and COVID-19
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current global pandemic is the first known to emerge as the result of a novel coronavirus, identified as SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. This respiratory disease is easily transmissible mainly from person to person, in droplet form, when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It can also spread […]
UN Youth Delegates call for meaningful work, inclusion in decision-making
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) concluded its debate on social development today, with youth delegates demanding greater access to education and job opportunities, as well as a voice in decisions that will help them overcome entrenched marginalization. Young people from around the world raised a range of concerns, including climate change, stark societal […]
Greta Thunberg tells world leaders ‘you are failing us’, as nations announce fresh climate action
Speaking at the beginning of the UN’s Climate Action Summit on Monday, the 16-year-old acclaimed climate activist Greta Thunberg, was unsparing in her criticism of world leaders, telling them that they are still “not mature enough to tell it like it is”. “The eyes of all future generations are upon you, and if you choose […]
UN Youth Climate Summit, 21 September 2019
The UN Youth Climate Summit is a platform for young leaders who are driving climate action to showcase their solutions at the United Nations, and to meaningfully engage with decision-makers on the defining issue of our time. This historic event will take place on Saturday, September 21 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, […]
‘We are facing a learning crisis’, UN Secretary-General warned on International Youth Day
Education is a powerful development multiplier that plays a pivotal role in accelerating progress across all the 17 global goals. Yet today, the world is facing a learning crisis. “Education today should combine knowledge, life skills and critical thinking”, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for International Youth Day celebrated on 12 August […]
International Youth Day 2019: “Transforming Education”
The theme of International Youth Day 2019, “Transforming education”, highlights efforts to make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youth, including efforts by youth themselves. Rooted in Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” – International […]
In Focus
Publications
Youth and the SDGs
In a world where unemployment and inequalities are rampant and where trust in international cooperation is falling, what can keep us from losing faith that the world 2030 will be a better place for everyone? UN DESA’s World Youth Report offers one good reason for optimism: the next generation is different.