Post 4

United Nations. (2010). World Programme of Action for Youth. Retrieved from: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/wpay2010.pdf
The World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) targets fifteen “priority areas” or challenges that are specific to youth and presents various plans for taking action to address the issues affecting the young people. WPAY has not only been a guide for youth-centered projects, but it has provided a framework for the creation of national youth policies in several countries. This program calls for international cooperation and investment in the development of young people as well as presents strategies for youth-focused initiatives.

UNICEF and the United Nations Programme on Youth (2010). Fact Sheet; Youth Participation. Retrieved at: http://social.un.org/youthyear/docs/youth-participation.pdf
This fact sheet explains the progression of youth participation initiatives, highlighting the different acts, programs, and goals associated with youth participation projects by UNICEF. The ability for youth to participate in society is presented as both a human right and crucial step towards empowering young people to learn, grow, and utilize their civil rights while contributing to positive development in their communities. Young people are seen as “agents for social change” in their communities and must be provided with opportunities to participate through “volunteerism, community service, and service-learning…and members of youth committees.” UNICEF calls attention to the need for a deeper understanding of youth participation and better ways to implement and evaluate current youth participation initiatives.

United Nations Programme on Youth. Fact Sheet: Health of Young People. Retrieved at: http://social.un.org/youthyear/docs/who-youth-health.pdf
“Promoting healthy practices during adolescence, and taking steps to better protect young people from health risks is critical to the future of countries’ health and social infrastructure and to the prevention of health problems in adulthood.” This UN report highlights the main health issues that young people experience as well as promotes necessary prevention and treatment strategies for improving adolescent health.