Supporting Adolescents and Youth

More than 1.5 billion people are between the ages of 10 and 25. This largest-ever generation of adolescents is approaching adulthood in a world their elders could not have imagined. Globalization, the AIDS pandemic, electronic communications and a changing climate have irrevocably shifted the landscape.

The scenario is mixed. As young people share ideas, values, music and symbols through mass media and electronic technology, a global youth culture has emerged. Many are organizing and networking themselves in both formal and informal ways.

But more than half of young people live in poverty, on less than $2 per day.  Often they lack access to the technology and information. Many also face social inequality, poor schools, gender discrimination, unemployment and inadequate health systems. They deserve better. And investing in them is an investment in the future leaders of families, communities and nations.

UNFPA promotes and protects the rights of young people. It envisions a world in which girls and boys have optimal opportunities to develop their full potential, to freely express themselves and have their views respected, and to live free of poverty, discrimination and violence.

The Fund works across sectors and with many partners to:

• Empower adolescents and youth with skills to achieve their dreams, think critically, and express themselves freely.
• Promote health, including by giving them access to sexual and reproductive health information, education, commodities and services.
• Connect young people to livelihood and employment programmes.
• Uphold the rights of young people, especially girls and marginalized groups, to grow up healthy and safe to receive a fair share of social investments.
• Encourage young people’s leadership and participation in decisions that affect them, including the development plans of their societies. more