Introduction

The progress of civilization is largely determined by the extent to which each individual is given the opportunity to contribute to the development and advancement of society. The world’s 1.2 billion young people aged 15-24 constitute 18 per cent of the global population and are an essential part of this process. Aside from their material and Intellectual contributions, young people offer unique aptitudes and perspectives that must be assimilated into the broader development paradigm and translated into effective action on the ground. Unfortunately, negative perceptions of youth, the failure to help them develop to their full potential, the inability to recognize that investing in youth benefits national development, and the consequent unwillingness and incapacity of society to fully involve young people in a meaningful way have effectively deprived the world of a resource of inestimable value. Unless a sustained effort is made to ensure that youth arc given the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of their societies, the goal of achieving of “a society for all,” as called for at the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995, will never be achieved.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Reduced Inequalities