Forty-three percent of the world’s population is currently under 25 – and the number of young people is rising fastest in those parts of the world with the lowest economic growth. The ICPD Programme of Action made the needs of youth a priority and yet in all countries of the world, progress on youth issues is lagging.
Depsite their enormous stake in the future, youth voices have not been part of the mainstrean development debate. The ICPD Beyond 2014 Global Youth Forum, in Bali from Dec 4-6 2012 aims to address this. Through a partnership of UN agencies, young people, civil society and the private sector the Forum aims to translate the participatory goals of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development into a sustainable youth advocacy movement.
Led by young people for young people and contributing directly to the process of defining future development goals, the Global Youth Forum will give young people a stronger voice. Over 900 delegates will agree on global recommendations for action on five crucial issues:
- Staying healthy
- Comprehensive education
- Transitions to decent employment for youth
- Sexuality, families and rights
- Fully inclusive civic participation
The ICPD Beyond 2014 Global Youth Forum will take place at the Bali Nusa Dual Convention Center, Bali, Indonesia from 4-6th December.
Can’t make it to Bali? You can be part of the Global Youth Forum wherever you are.
Around the world, youth leaders will connect locally and electronically to provide a shared response to the social, economic and human rights challenges and opportunities faced by their generation. This is the moment when the 43% take control of our shared future.
Shape the world you want
Register to be a delegate to the Global Youth Forum
You can be a fully contributing delegate wherever you can access a computer or a mobile phone signal. This could be at home, at a youth centre or in an internet café. As a delegate, you will receive a special login so that you can participate virtually in all Global Youth Forum activities. As a delegate, you will be expected to contribute in a number of ways:
- Before the event, mobilize friends and colleagues to participate in group sessions in your community.
- Write about the issues that interest you and share your perspectives with others via the Web, local media and other channels.
- During the event, contribute ideas and submit questions through your UNFPA country office.
As you can see, being a Global Youth Forum delegate carries important responsibilities. It is also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a difference on a global scale.
ICPD Beyond 2014 Global Youth Forum – Apply here as a Virtual Delegate.