The UN World Programme of Action for Youth (UN WPAY) consists of ten priority areas identified in 1995 by the General Assembly and five newer issues that were later identified as additional priorities by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2003. These are:
- Education
- Employment
- Hunger and poverty
- Health
- Environment
- Drug abuse
- Juvenile delinquency
- Leisure-time activities
- Girls and young women
- Full and effective participation
- Globalization
- Information and communication technologies
- HIV / AIDS
- Youth and conflict prevention
- Intergenerational relations
As part of their 10-year review of the Programme 2005, the UN General Assembly evaluated these priorities and confirmed them, resolving to scale up investments in young people, urge for greater youth participation, develop consultative and integrated policies for young people, make youth employment a central objective of development strategies and establish a set of indicators to measure progress in implementing the Programme.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) has now published a guide focusing on what governments can do to fulfill the vision enshrined in the Programme.
It acknowledges a need for a new impetus to be given to the design and implementation of youth policies and programmes. Each section briefly examines the concept of each priority area and how it is experienced by young people worldwide. It looks at mechanisms and specific policies that may enhance their political, cultural and socio-economic opportunities.
The recommendations and ideas contained in the book are inspired by analyses, case studies, lessons learned and good practices documented by a wide range of sources.
For further information and to download a free copy, see http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/wpay_guide.pdf.
