Currently, there are 1.2 billion youth in the world, the largest number of youth to have existed. The majority of these youth face daunting challenges, including living in poor economic, social, and environmental conditions, with limited access to education and employment. Yet, the youth has been recognized as agents of positive change globally, instigating economic development and democratic reform all over the world. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), the lead author of this report, has worked to enhance youth engagement in the United Nations system. This report sets out 3 scenarios that could facilitate greater youth participation:
Scale up the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) Youth Program to an Institutional Level
Establish a Special Representative of the Secretary General on Youth
Establish a UN Permanent Youth, inclusive of a Youth Platform Assembly, and Special Representative on Youth
