The United Nations General Assembly today commemorated the 20th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth with an acknowledgement that young people have been \u201cdisproportionately\u201d affected by many global challenges but \u201care ready and willing to be actively involved in shaping their future.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his remarks to the meeting, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that the commemoration comes at \u201ca critical time\u201d as \u201c2015 represents an opportunity for transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we approach the adoption of a new set of sustainable development goals, the global community has an unparalleled opportunity to change the course of history,\u201d the UN chief said, and \u201cas the largest generation of youth the world has ever known, you are in the driving seat of this change.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are the first generation that can end poverty \u2013 and the last generation that can act to avoid the worst effects of climate change,\u201d Mr. Ban told the gathered delegates.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cI call on governments to enhance their efforts to implement the World Programme of Action for Youth under the new post-2015 development agenda, and to include young people as part of their delegations to the summit in September,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
More than 60 delegates have signed up to speak at the High-Level Event of the General Assembly marking the 20th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth to highlight Youth Priorities in the Post-2015 Development Agenda,which \u201coffers an important opportunity for Member States and other relevant stakeholders to take stock of progress made in its implementation, identify the gaps and challenges ahead while discussing the best way forward for the full, effective and accelerated implementation of this ground-breaking agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ahmad Alhendawi, the first ever United Nations Envoy on Youth, also addressed the High-Level Event, saying the action plan is a \u201cmilestone in articulating a vision for youth development.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo this day,\u201d he said, \u201cthe document remains one of the most important internationally agreed paths to a better future young people deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier today, as part of his Office\u2019s digital #YouthNow campaign, Mr. Alhendawi tweeted a number of \u201cyouth facts\u201d and messages such as: \u201cWith 1\/2 world\u2019s population under 25yrs, investing into youth is not luxury \u2013 It\u2019s a necessity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both the UN Secretary-General and the Acting President of the UN General Assembly, Alvaro Jos\u00e9 de Mendon\u00e7a e Moura, noted that youth around the world have been disproportionately affected by economic crises, recession and today\u2019s many global challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cYouth unemployment continues to be a formidable issue worldwide, with young people three times more likely to be jobless than adults,\u201d Mr. Mendon\u00e7a e Moura said.<\/p>\n
But on a positive note, he said, \u201cgovernments are becoming increasingly aware of the need for legal and policy frameworks that adequately respond to young peoples\u2019 needs, aspirations and demands. I am heartened to note that as of 2014, 127 countries had a national youth policy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe #YouthNow digital campaign, organized by the Office of the Secretary-General\u2019s Envoy on Youth, has also served as a meaningful platform for engaging web users on youth issues. Since its launch only four months ago, the site has already registered close to 500 million impressions,\u201d he said.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese examples, as well as many others, demonstrate that young people around the world are ready and willing to be actively involved in shaping their future,\u201d Mr. Mendon\u00e7a e Moura said.<\/p>\n