Adolescents And YOUTH

Youth Participation

The energy, ideas and aspirations of young people are boundless. By fostering youth-adult partnerships, UNFPA encourages participation of young people in a wide variety of activities designed to build on and utilize their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Including young people in programming and policy decisions not only bolsters their self-confidence but also helps prepare them to exercise the rights and responsibilities of adulthood and citizenship.

Youth-adult partnerships are based on the understanding that young people have a right to participate in programmes that affect them and that, with training and assistance, they can become powerful advocates for positive change. Opportunities for participation are important both for the development of individuals and for the political and economic stability of the larger society. Young people's experience of citizenship and community involvement affects the extent and kind of civic participation throughout their lives.

Programmes

	Global Youth Advisory Panel Exchanging views with young people from around the world

	Special Youth Programme Preparing a future generation of advocates and experts from developing countries

	Y- PEER Creating a social movement of youth reaching out to their peers

Lessons Learned

	AfriYAN African Youth and Adolescents Network on Population and Development

	EU/UNFPA Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in Asia Pioneering projects that addressed policy, clinical services, education and communications.

	African Youth Alliance Youth participation -- in programme design and implementation

Other Activities

	Special Youth Reports Giving young people a stronger voice.

	Distance Learning: Young People and PRSPs A new online e-course, 'Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers for Young People'

	Partnering with young people for international meetings Youth participation at international meetings

	Partnership with MTV's Staying Alive Campaign Using Youth Culture to Promote Safer Behaviour

Key Publications

Adolescents And YOUTH

Youth Participation