ECOSOC Youth Forum 2021 – commemorating its 10th Anniversary
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum will be held on 7 and 8 April 2021. The modalities of participation will depend on the evolving spread of COVID-19 and its impact on travel restrictions as well as considerations on the safety, health and wellbeing of participants. The Forum provides a global platform for a […]
Global Youth Survey for the World Youth Report 2021: Improving Youth Wellbeing and Mental Health
The World Youth Report (WYR) is a flagship publication of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD). The Report addresses youth development issues around the world. General Assembly resolution 58/133, and subsequent biennial resolutions including the most recent General Assembly resolution 74/121, mandate the production of the World Youth Report on a […]
Global Online Dialogue on “Navigating uncertainties: An intergenerational dialogue on COVID-19 and youth employment”
Today’s youth face the unique challenge of managing their personal development and transition to adulthood amid more uncertainties than usual. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), COVID-19 has impacted job prospects for the world’s 1.2 billion young people. This demographic – 15 to 24 years old – faced an unemployment rate three times higher […]
UN praises resilience and vision of younger generation, marking International Youth Day
Commemorating International Youth Day, top UN officials have called on leaders around the world to “do everything possible” to enable young people to reach their fullest potential. Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which has upended young peoples’ lives and aspirations and heightened their vulnerabilities, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the younger generation’s resilience, resourcefulness and engagement. “They are the […]
International Youth Day 2020 on “Youth Engagement for Global Action”
The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly […]
Unlocking entrepreneurship opportunities for youth could lower unemployment and bring social benefits
UN report finds youth social entrepreneurship can create jobs and help the most underserved communities Tearing down barriers that prevent more young people from becoming successful social entrepreneurs will contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and tackling the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, according to a new report released today by the UN Department of Economic and […]
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. […]
In Focus
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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.