Frequently Asked Questions about the ICPD30 Global Youth Dialogue

1.When and where will the Global Youth Dialogue take place?

The Governments of Benin, Denmark and the Netherlands along with UNFPA will co-host the ICPD30 Global Youth Dialogue on 4–5 April 2024 at the Palais des Congres in Cotonou, Benin.

2.Why is a global dialogue being convened with a focus on youth?

Today, there are 1.2 billion young people who are 15 to 24 years of age, accounting for 16 percent of the global population. By 2030, the number of young people is projected to reach nearly 1.3 billion. They are an important focus of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). The future and continued relevance of the ICPD agenda relies on the youth. The 30th anniversary of the ICPD is an important opportunity to celebrate young people as changemakers, partners in development and custodians of the ICPD Programme of Action.

3.What are the objectives of the dialogue?

The dialogue aims to reinvigorate and propel the global agenda on youth rights and sustainable development by:

1. Celebrating the achievements made possible by young people and the vision of population-centred development set out by the ICPD 30 years ago in Cairo
2. Addressing polarization through multi-stakeholder dialogue and exploring a deeper understanding of the issues that underpin the ICPD, such as social movements and issues around family, demographic diversity and more
3. Positioning for the future with key messages and recommendations gathered during the global dialogue to help inform global milestones, such as the Summit of the Future solutions for a better tomorrow

4.Who will participate in the dialogue?

The majority of participants will be people between the ages of 18 and 35 who represent youth-serving organizations and networks. This will include some young people affiliated with or nominated by Member States, including official youth delegates to UN processes. Government ministers and representatives from regional and intergovernmental organizations, UN entities and international NGOs are expected to participate as strategic partners in the sessions. 

5.What themes will the dialogue focus on?

The dialogue will focus on young people’s insights for achieving a better future for all people and for the planet, through partnership, in peace and prosperity. The sessions conceptualized and facilitated by young people will focus on:

1. Sexual and reproductive health and rights
2. Human rights
3. Education and employment
4. Peace and humanitarian action 
5. Participation and leadership 

Each session will consider how gender, age, disability, class, sexuality, ethnicity or raciality and more dimensions overlap and affect people in diverse ways. Human rights, equality and non-discrimination will also be elements of all sessions, to ensure diversity, inclusion and affirmative actions for participation.

6.What qualities should young people have in order to be nominated as dialogue participants?

Nominated young people should:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 35. 
• Demonstrate active community and/or civic engagement. Their work should focus on themes including sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender, gender-based violence, migration, youth peace and security, climate action, economic empowerment and innovation.
• Represent a legitimate youth organization operating at local, national, regional or global levels. 
• Represent an organization that has the capacity and interest to steer or support the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action.

7.What criteria will be used for the selection of participants?

When selecting the final set of participants, the organizing committee will consider age, geographic diversity, diversity of socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, demonstrated interest and evidence of leadership qualities.

This will ensure gender balance, fair representation from all regions, a focus on diverse themes of the ICPD agenda and the participation of marginalized groups such as indigenous youth, youth with disabilities and other relevant minority groups in various countries.

8. How and with whom are preparations for the dialogue steered?

A steering committee meets on a monthly basis to provide strategic oversight and guidance on the planning and execution of the global youth dialogue. The members include:

Co-chairs:
Benin 
Denmark 
The Netherlands 
UNFPA

Observers:
USAID
Youth representation – World Organization of Scouts Movement

An organizing committee – made up of sub-committees for agenda development, participation and communication – meets on a weekly basis, overseeing event preparations, gathering input from youth groups and UNFPA partners, and ensuring a regional and global perspective. The organizing committee also provides regular updates to the steering committee.

The members include representatives from UNFPA offices and 23 global, regional and national youth-led and youth-serving organizations. This also includes youth organizations and networks with a specific focus on peacebuilding, climate action, indigenous issues and young people with disabilities.

1. The Major Group for Children and Youth 
2. The World Organization of the Scout Movement 
3. Health and Well‑Being Initiative Lead 
4. World YWCA 
5. She Decides
6. AfriYAN West and Central Africa
7. Réseau des Jeunes Féministes d'Afrique Centrale 
8. Youth Foundation for Development, Education & Leadership 
9. SRHR Africa Trust 
10. Youth Power Hub 
11. AfriYan ESA
12. Montevideo+10 LAC Regional Youth Articulation
13. LAC Regional African Descents Youth Network
14. CARICOM Youth Ambassadors
15. ECOM 
16. Pasifika ICPD25 youth network
17. YPEER Asia Pacific 
18. YouthLEAD
19. Global Network of Women Peacebuilders
20. YOUNGO
21. Abya Yala Youth Indigenous Network
22. Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities 
23. Ilewa

9. What is the expected outcome of the dialogue?

The dialogue creates a platform for discussions with young people on implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action and solutions for the future. It will generate a set of recommendations to feed into intergovernmental discussions and the global ICPD30 Review Report. This report will include recommendations from regional population conferences and ICPD30 associated events, serving as a key resource for positioning the ICPD agenda in the Summit of the Future and other key global processes.