Aug 12, 2013

UNPO Marks International Youth Day


August 12 marks International Youth Day, an occasion which has been celebrated annually since the year 2000. On this day, people around the world pay tribute to the contribution made by young people to our world, in addition to recognising the challenges they face.

The theme of International Youth Day 2013 is "Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward.” Young people make up a significant share of the global number of international migrants. In 2010, there were an estimated 27 million international young migrants. While migration can often offer valuable opportunities and contribute to the development of communities and society at large, it can also pose risks and lead to unacceptable situations, including discrimination and exploitation.

UNPO is committed to fighting such discrimination wherever it may occur, as part of our dedication to equality and understanding. We also recognise the vital role of youth in building a better world, and to this end we often support to youth organisations affiliated with our members across the globe. In addition, we promote the involvement of young people in international advocacy work: each year, UNPO organises “SpeakOut!,” a unique three-day programme of workshops and networking events intended to give young people the necessary skills to effectively lobby for human rights.

In the words of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “Today’s generation of youth – the largest the world has ever known, and the vast majority of whom live in developing countries – has unprecedented potential to advance the well-being of the entire human family.” On this International Youth Day, UNPO wholeheartedly supports his sentiments.

Photo by @mononoke