Learn what governments commited to in 1995: The World Programme of Action for Youth on Participation (A/RES/50/81)
J. Full and effective participation of youth in the life of society and in decision-making
104. The capacity for progress of our societies is based, among other elements, on their capacity to incorporate the contribution and responsibility of youth in the building and designing of the future. In addition to their intellectual contribution and their ability to mobilize support, they bring unique perspectives that need to be taken into account.
105. Any efforts and proposed actions in the other priority areas considered in this programme are, in a certain way, conditioned by enabling the economic, social and political participation of youth, as a matter of critical importance.
106. Youth organizations are important forums for developing skills necessary for effective participation in society, promoting tolerance and increased cooperation and exchanges between youth organizations.
Proposals for action
107. The following actions are proposed:
(a) Improving access to information in order to enable young people to make better use of their opportunities to participate in decision-making;
(b) Developing and/or strengthening opportunities for young people to learn their rights and responsibilities, promoting their social, political, developmental and environmental participation, removing obstacles that affect their full contribution to society and respecting, inter alia, freedom of association;
(c) Encouraging and promoting youth associations through financial, educational and technical support and promotion of their activities;
(d) Taking into account the contribution of youth in designing, implementing and evaluating national policies and plans affecting their concerns;
(e) Encouraging increased national, regional and international cooperation and exchange between youth organizations;
(f) Inviting Governments to strengthen the involvement of young people in international forums, inter alia, by considering the inclusion of youth representatives in their national delegations to the General Assembly.