We are pleased to announce the launching of the website for the International Year of Youth today. In order to start the dialogue with youth from around the world, we have also launched a facebook page entitled “United Nations International Year of Youth”.

The website may be accessed at: http://social.un.org/youthyear/ and the page is available at: www.facebook.com/pages/United-Nations-International-Year-of-Youth/398805690289

In addition, we would like to draw your attention to one of our first activities for the Year: a youth consultation on a slogan for the International Year of Youth.  The consultation will be carried out through the Facebook page.  We would very much appreciate your support in spreading the word about the International Year and the consultation on the slogan among your youth networks. Feel free to use the text below for this purpose:

To spread the word about the International Year of Youth, the UN Programme on Youth is looking for a powerful 1 to 5 word slogan that encapsulates the Year and its theme, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. From 25 January to 12 February 2010, you will have the chance to suggest a slogan for the International Year and to vote on your favourites through the “like” function. The final slogan will be selected by the UN Programme on Youth and will be used in communications for the International Year. For logistical reasons, we are unfortunately only able to accept suggestions in English. The winning slogan will, however, be translated into all official languages of the United Nations.

To suggest a slogan, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/United-Nations-International-Year-of-Youth/398805690289 today!

Please continue to spread the word about the International Year and the consultation on the slogan to your friends and among your networks. And please continue to visit the website of the Year at http://social.un.org/youthyear/ for regular updates.