Calling on Youth Leaders: This Is Your Chance to Effect Change

People under age 25 represent 43 per cent of the global population. Yet they rarely have an opportunity to influence national or global policies.

However, on 4-6 December 2012, over 900 youth leaders, representing every country, will have an unprecedented opportunity to have their say when they convene in Bali to develop official recommendations for the United Nations development agenda.

Youth can contribute virtually
They will not be the only ones contributing. Around the world, youth leaders will connect locally and electronically to provide a shared response to the social, economic and human rights challenges and opportunities faced by their generation.

If you have access to a computer, are between the ages of 14 and 25, and interested in influencing the global development agenda, register to become a virtual delegate now.

Once approved you will receive log in instructions and can start to connect, advocate and join a global conversation on the key issues for youth. During the Forum you will be able to follow broadcasts online and submit your recommendations via the virtual delegate platform. In some cities, hubs will allow virtual delegates to participate in groups.

Five crucial issues under discussion
Led by young people for young people and contributing directly to the process of defining future development goals, the Global Youth Forum will give young people a stronger voice. Delegates will agree on global recommendations for action on five crucial issues:

• Staying healthy
• Comprehensive education
• Transitions to decent employment for youth
• Sexuality, families and rights
• Fully inclusive civic participation

The issues are based on goals that emerged from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development and that remain relevant to the lives of young people. Through a partnership of UN agencies, young people, civil society and the private sector , the Forum aims to spur a sustainable youth advocacy movement.