World Population Day, observed annually on 11 July 2014, aims to raise awareness of global population issues; hunger, disease, conflict, welfare and human rights are key themes. This year, the focus is on “Investing in Young People” and how to safeguard the rights of young people. The question of access to quality education, decent work, health services and the ability to participate in political life is becoming increasingly pertinent as the world today has the largest generation of youth in history – 1.8 billion – and 90 % of them live in developing countries.

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.”

Although the potential of youth in shaping social and economic realities is widely accepted, youth poverty is one of the biggest obstacles to prosperity. Inequality and human rights violations further disadvantage and disempower certain segments of youth populations. Today’s youth is diverse and face different challenges, but all undergo new transitions and transformations, which make them vulnerable to abuse, such as in areas of sexuality, marriage and childbearing.

Inequalities spur poverty. According to UNESCO, half of the world’s unemployed are young people. For example, in Europe, a third of young people between the age of 18 and 24 are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, which in turn produces deep and long-term suffering. Young women and men face a daunting upward battle in securing their financial stability and finding work opportunities, particularly as they lack access to social welfare and decision-making powers.

On the other hand, in the developing world, gender-based discrimination has a disproportionate impact on young women’s sexual and reproductive health; 34% of women between the age of 20 and 24 were married before the age of 18, and 16 million girls aged between 15 and 19 give birth every year.

Furthermore, youth from minority or marginalised communities face additional obstacles. Oftentimes they live on the margins, face discrimination, lack appropriate residence or legal status, cannot access education in their own mother tongue, and are unable to engage in their distinct cultural or religious practices. This seriously exacerbates their ability to meaningfully participate in their communities. They are also more likely to work in the informal sector in unsafe and exploitative conditions. 

UNPO fully supports the sentiments of the UN Secretary-General, who has consistently reiterated that the solution lies in investing in health, education, training and employment of young people. Therefore, to make today’s youth the agents of tomorrow, world leaders must implement holistic policies, while also recognizing the diverse needs of different youth groups; from women to stateless youth, from youth belonging to minority ethnic, religious and linguistic communities to young refugees.

UNPO recognises 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. We are also committed to fighting such discrimination wherever it may occur, as part of our dedication to equality and understanding. UNPO also fully endorses all calls for youth-focused goals in the post-2015 development agenda.