Youth & Society

In 1995 the United Nations General Assembly voted to adopt the world action program for youth.

15 years later it is time to review the situation and renew the commitments made at that time.

All too often policies concerning youth are motivated by negative stereotypes of young people, in particular regarding delinquency, drug abuse and violence.

Drug abuse

Over the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in the use of synthetic drugs. At the same time and in spite of the market’s partial restrictions alcohol and tobacco consumption has risen sharply in developing countries.

The demand for illicit substances has risen among young people in developing countries.

Juvenile Delinquency

This is considered a great threat to society. In some countries, including the Philippines, various dissuasive policies have been introduced resulting in a rise in the number of imprisonments. These policies have brought about a reduction in criminality, but at what cost?

Health

In general young people reach puberty earlier than before, and marry later. Sexual relations before marriage are increasingly common, and the number of teenage pregnancies is worryingly high. HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of death amongst young people, followed by violence and injuries.

And yet, young people are a positive force for development, peace and democracy.

Involvement of young people in decision making

The last 10 years have been marked by an increasing awareness of the importance of involving young people in decision making. When young people are included in decision making we see improvements in the creation, implementation and evaluation of policies.

Globalisation

Young people are not stuck in their ways, and they are doubtless better than others at adapting to new situations and making the most of them. However many young people, particularly in developing countries, do not benefit from this flexibility. Globalisation has had an impact on worldwide job opportunities for young people, and on migration.

Information and communication technologies

The proliferation of information and communication technologies which followed the globalisation process of the last 10 years has produced opportunities as well as challenges for young people.