United Nations
The YBC participates in international conferences and forums under the auspices of the United Nations annually, such as the UN Winter Youth Assembly, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and other, given that youth policies and other United Nations initiatives are taken into consideration in the National Youth Strategy of the YBC.
The 2030 Agenda
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Today, the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) provides substantive support and capacity-building for the SDGs and their related thematic issues, including water, energy, climate, oceans, urbanization, transport, science and technology, the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), partnerships and Small Island Developing States. DSDG plays a key role in the evaluation of UN systemwide implementation of the 2030 Agenda and on advocacy and outreach activities relating to the SDGs. In order to make the 2030 Agenda a reality, broad ownership of the SDGs must translate into a strong commitment by all stakeholders to implement the global goals. DSDG aims to help facilitate this engagement.
World Programme of Action for Youth
The United Nations youth agenda is guided by the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY).
WPAY, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 1995, provides a policy framework and practical guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people around the world. It covers fifteen youth priority areas and contains proposals of action for each of these areas.
International Youth Day
In 1999, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared August 12th as International Youth Day, aiming bringing to light the concerns of young people from all over the world and highlighting their potential.
A specific theme is chosen to celebrate this day every year, with the contribution of youth organisations and members of the UN Inter-Agency Network for youth related matters.
To celebrate International Youth Day, various countries, including Cyprus, carry out information and awareness activities and campaigns informing people about the current situation of young people, highlighting their potential and their role in shaping society.