Dear Ms. Fore,Esteemed Participants,
It is my pleasure to participate in this Board meeting. I am pleased to be part of the discussion on potential avenues for joint work between the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which is the focal point on youth for the UN system, and Generation Unlimited.
The World Programme of Action for Youth calls for the meaningful engagement and development of all young people across the economic, social and political spheres of their lives. In this context, we appreciate GenU’s focus on the school-to-work transition – a pivotal moment for young people with long-term impact.
DESA looks forward to contributing to the implementation of the GenU strategy, particularly by providing technical support on data and policies on two of GenU’s strategic priorities, entrepreneurship, and equity and engagement. Providing access to opportunities for young people to engage on these issues, is critical.
The school to work transition will further be addressed by DESA’s forthcoming World Youth Report, entitled “Youth Social Entrepreneurship”– to be launched in April 2020. This report will examine how youth can create income-generating activities and social change, through businesses that link economic and social objectives. We have included in the World Youth Report a case study on UPSHIFT, an initiative which is supported by Generation Unlimited.
Building on the recommendations of this report, young innovators can be supported through networks that facilitate the creation and work of SDG-aligned social enterprises. Indeed, SDG-aligned start-ups can help encourage private sector investments so that such innovators can grow and expand.
I also believe that GenU can provide a platform to address the issue of mental wellbeing, which increasingly affects youth and represents a pre-condition for achievement of GenU’s vision – where all young people are having the opportunity to realize their full potential.
To conclude, DESA stands ready to provide policy support and technical assistance in the area of entrepreneurship, equity, mental health, and engagement.
Together, I believe we can scale up our efforts and support young people’s development so that their contribution to deliver the 2030 Agenda is fully leveraged.
Thank you.
It is my pleasure to participate in this Board meeting. I am pleased to be part of the discussion on potential avenues for joint work between the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which is the focal point on youth for the UN system, and Generation Unlimited.
The World Programme of Action for Youth calls for the meaningful engagement and development of all young people across the economic, social and political spheres of their lives. In this context, we appreciate GenU’s focus on the school-to-work transition – a pivotal moment for young people with long-term impact.
DESA looks forward to contributing to the implementation of the GenU strategy, particularly by providing technical support on data and policies on two of GenU’s strategic priorities, entrepreneurship, and equity and engagement. Providing access to opportunities for young people to engage on these issues, is critical.
The school to work transition will further be addressed by DESA’s forthcoming World Youth Report, entitled “Youth Social Entrepreneurship”– to be launched in April 2020. This report will examine how youth can create income-generating activities and social change, through businesses that link economic and social objectives. We have included in the World Youth Report a case study on UPSHIFT, an initiative which is supported by Generation Unlimited.
Building on the recommendations of this report, young innovators can be supported through networks that facilitate the creation and work of SDG-aligned social enterprises. Indeed, SDG-aligned start-ups can help encourage private sector investments so that such innovators can grow and expand.
I also believe that GenU can provide a platform to address the issue of mental wellbeing, which increasingly affects youth and represents a pre-condition for achievement of GenU’s vision – where all young people are having the opportunity to realize their full potential.
To conclude, DESA stands ready to provide policy support and technical assistance in the area of entrepreneurship, equity, mental health, and engagement.
Together, I believe we can scale up our efforts and support young people’s development so that their contribution to deliver the 2030 Agenda is fully leveraged.
Thank you.
File date:
Monday, September 23, 2019