In the recent decision to bring youth activities closer to its Social and Human Sciences programme, UNESCO has moved on to a new stage. Through this approach, the Organization hopes it will not only help young people obtain the right tools for developing their potential, but also contribute to the development of public policies that will give more thought to the needs of the most marginalized groups of young people.

Since young people are not only the builders of tomorrow’s world but first and foremost actors in today’s world, UNESCO has for some time now made it a priority for young people to participate in choosing what will concern them in the future, because in less than twenty years, nine out of ten young people will be living in developing countries. In the United Nations, the UNESCO Youth Forum is the only one of its kind. It began in 1999 and has since become an integral part of the Organization’s General Conference.

Articles included in this UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Sector magazine:

Prioritizing action with and for young people

Richard Curtain answers 3 questions

Reflection, debate and action

Fighting fear and ignorance about AIDS

Young girls’ independence – a solution to poverty

Strengthening NGO partnerships

Supporting national youth policies

Using development to counter violence

SHS views - June-September 2007