Twenty-five UN Agencies Call for a World Fit for Young People

UNITED NATIONS, New York — Twenty-five United Nations agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to make young people a priority and to incorporate youth perspectives in their work. Their joint statement calls on “governments, civil society, the private sector, donors, media, communities, youth-led organizations, voluntary associations and other stakeholders to join us in making this a world fit for young people.”

This statement is significant because for the first time, the entities that comprise the inter-agency network on youth development have committed at the highest level to the aims and objectives of the network and have committed to strengthening cooperation mechanisms at the global, regional and national levels.

Signatories include UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, as well as heads of UNAIDS, UNICEF, UN Women and other members of the UN system.

The statement, which was launched on the first day of the High-level Meeting on Youth,  includes a strong emphasis on inclusion and youth participation. It recognizes that many important groups are marginalized and that efforts should be made to include them in society and in decision-making.