development needs youth - Development Education Programme

DEVELOPMENT NEEDS YOUTH !

3rd EDITION

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Editorial team

Contents

Editor in Chief – Giuseppe Porcaro Editors – James Higgins, Julie Teng, Vania Freitas

Introduction

5

Part I - Youth : More than just development targets

7

1.1 State of the (young) World

10

1.2 Which Role for Youth Organisations ?

12

1.3 The Youth Forum and European Development Policy : 30 Years of Action !

14

European Youth Forum

Part II - (Youth) Development Policy

18

120, rue Joseph II

2.1 The Millennium Development Goals are Youth Development Goals

19

1000, Bruxelles

2.2 Sustainable Development Policies (and Actors)

23

Copy Editor – Klavdija Cernilogar Assistant Editor – Thomas Spragg Graphic Design – Laurent Doucet

Belgium – Belgique Part III - Youth (Development) Policy

30

with the support of :

3.1 Mainstreaming Gender and environment

33

the European Commission

3.2 Education

34

the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe

3.3 Health, SRHR and HIV/AIDS

41

3.4 Employment and Poverty

45

3.5 Peace and Conflict Prevention

50

3.6 Environment & Climate Change

51

3.7 Migration

54

Conclusions : From Words to Action !

57

List of Acronyms

59

References

60

ISSN : 2032–9938

2010 European Youth Forum

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List of Boxes // Kumi Naidoo (Greenpeace International) // Which role does the European Youth Forum play ? // Eva Joly and role of the EU // EU policies and programmes for development cooperation and sustainable development open to Youth Organisations

INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW EDITION

// 1% Solidarity Fund of the European Youth Forum

List of Projects

This is the third edition of Development

Although some progress is being made to-

Needs Youth ! and it comes at an impor-

wards the Millennium Development Goals,

AEGEE-Europe : MDGs – A Challenge for Today’s Youth ?

tant time for development policy and

in some ways little has changed for young

EYCE : Campaign to Promote Ecological Justice

young people internationally. Since the

people around the world. In developing

SAJV/CSAJ : Youth for Development

last edition, published in 2009, there have

countries millions of young people suffer

DNYC : Youth Representatives

been significant developments in core de-

from hunger and starvation, with over one

WAGGGS : Together we can change the World

velopment areas.

billion hungry people in 2010, mainly due to conflict, climate change, unstable liveli-

CNJ : Roteiro 3456

At a time when the environmental and hu-

hood systems and poor governance.1 Wars

WOSM : Inter-regional Cooperation in Africa, the Arab States and Eurasia

man cost of climate change became more

and conflict continue to disproportionately

IFMSA : HIV Education for Youth

and more evident, world leaders dramati-

affect the young ; many young people con-

LSU : Tackling Poverty Together

cally failed to reach an accord and agree

tinue to go without basic primary educa-

SCI : Handcrafting Opportunities

on a climate deal that would replace the

tion and the rate of HIV infection outstrips

Don Bosco Youth Network : You(th) for Human Rights

Kyoto Protocol at the United Nations

the expansion of treatment.

FIMCAP : Thematic Study Sessions

Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

NYCI : Zambia-Ireland Exchange

in December 2009. This is despite the fact

The past 12 months have also presented

that young people were more organised

numerous opportunities for youth to ex-

and vocal than ever in the run up to the

press themselves politically and young peo-

Conference and during the negotiations

ple internationally have proved themselves

themselves. The past year has also been a

up to the challenge. At the World Youth

difficult year for young people globally in

Conference in Leon, Mexico in August 2010

terms of employment with the global finan-

an NGO declaration, led by youth NGOs,

cial crisis creating a youth unemployment

called for a rights-based approach to de-

crisis in Europe and pushing millions of

velopment policies, to invest in education

young people into poverty in the develop-

and jobs for young people internationally,

ing world.

recognise young people’s sexual reproductive health and rights in the context of

1.Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, 2010. The State of Food Insecurity in the World [online] Rome. Available at www.fao.org/docrep/013/i1683e/i1683e.pdf [Accessed 12 November 2010]

Introduction

IFM-SEI : Peers without Frontiers : Youth for the MDGs

6

7

health and HIV prevention and identify the

As part of the Year young people have been

root causes identifying in preventing the

active promoting the ideals of peace, free-

achievements of the MDGs, with youth as

dom, youth development and working on

an active partner.

the ground in combating hunger in their communities, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and

In December 2009 the United Nations

the protection of the environment. This

General Assembly agreed on the need to

new edition aims to provide more facts

further disseminate among young peo-

and examples on initiatives and process-

ple the ideals of peace, respect for hu-

es that youth organisations are undertak-

man rights and fundamental freedoms,

ing at various levels, from the grassroots

solidarity and dedication to the objectives

to the national and the global scale. Young

of

women and men are full agents in their communities and societies. Nevertheless,

and adopted a resolution proclaiming the

targeting youth in development policies is

International Year of Youth : Dialogue and

still not being sufficiently addressed. While

Mutual Understanding, commencing on 12

recognition of their value is growing, much

August 2010.2

needs to be done.

Introduction

progress and development, includ-

ing the Millennium Development Goals

PART I YOUTH : MORE THAN JUST DEVELOPMENT TARGETS

2.United Nations Resolution A/RES/64/134 of 18 December 2009 of Proclamation of 2010 as International Year of Youth [online] New York. Available at www.un.org/en/ga/64/resolutions.shtml [Accessed 7 August 2010]

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1.1 STATE OF THE (YOUNG) WORLD

tackling poverty at the beginning of a per-

The issue of sustainability must always be

son’s life ; such targeted policies contribute

considered when addressing youth. Often

to break the vicious cycle of poverty repeat-

the positions of young people are not ad-

ed from generation to generation.

equately addressed in measures and policies traditionally pursued, for example

What issues do youth face ?

economic growth largely dependent upon the unsustainable use of a country’s natural resources is often not thought of as a youth issue. In such cases, fewer resources

“ Young people today, and in 2015 ”, 209

are left for future generations and indeed,

The lack of global consensus on how to

million young people between the ages of

for the young when they reach adulthood.

tackle climate change and international

15 and 24 (approximately 18 percent of

There are a number of reasons why young

economic instability are far from being

the world’s population), live on less than

Likewise, if economic policies designed to

people deserve special consideration with

mutually exclusive issues for young peo-

US$1 a day. 515 million (almost 45 per

reduce poverty do not target the informal

regards to international development. The

ple. Climate change is a reality and the en-

cent) live on less than US$2 a day. 130 mil-

economy (i.e. the trade of goods outside

most prevalent and striking is arguably that

vironmental instability that comes with it

lion are illiterate, 10 million live with HIV,

the state-controlled economy and not in-

it is young people that suffer disproportion-

is already being felt harshly by young peo-

and 88 million are unemployed.

cluded in the Gross National Product) ;

ately in relation to poverty and hunger glob-

ple. Without adequately tackling climate

The forms of poverty endured by young

fewer young people will in turn be reached.

ally. The global financial crisis has severely

change, poverty reduction strategies and

people, and their consequences, can be

This is due to the fact that young people

hampered efforts to tackle global poverty,

international diplomacy in order to prevent

different for them than for other groups in

and women make up the bulk of the work-

resulting in a spike in hunger rates in devel-

armed conflicts may become piecemeal.

society. For example, the importance given

force in the informal economy, e.g. street

oping countries, again with young people

More people are today being displaced due

to the distribution of resources for educa-

vendors, unregistered home-based busi-

among the worst affected. This crisis has

to environmental disasters, both natural

tion and health, as well as the distribution

nesses etc. If the size of the informal econ-

also resulted in the highest youth employ-

and man-made, than by war. Young people

of land, would most likely be different if

omy remains large, with a high number of

ment rates on record, this time not just lim-

in the world also continue to be dispropor-

young people are considered. This is par-

low quality jobs still existing, then it is less

ited to developing countries as young peo-

tionately affected as victims of both armed

ticularly the case when considering young

likely that those working within this part of

ple in Western Europe and North America

conflicts and environmental disasters.4

women as they face multiple discrimina-

the economy will benefit sufficiently from

tion and are often expected to do unpaid

economic growth and increased productiv-

domestic work.

ity. Working in the informal economy also

struggle to find work and financial stability. In developing economies it may prolong

When it comes to development it is clear

the cycle of poverty for at least another

that youth needs to be prioritised. Therefore

means that they have less opportunity to

generation while in Europe many political

young people must be specifically targeted

increase their income, to receive training,

leaders are concerned about the economic

and involved in relevant policy-making, or

and to benefit from social protection.

and social impacts of a “ lost generation of

it will not be possible to eradicate pover-

young people ”.3

ty and achieve sustainable development. Moreover, as tackling youth poverty implies

3. International Labour Organization, 2010. Global Employment Trends for Youth [online] Geneva. Available www.ilo.org/empelm/what/pubs/lang--en/docName--WCMS_143349/index.htm [Accessed 13 October 2010] 4. Weston, B.H. and Bach, T., Recalibrating the Law of Humans with the Laws of Nature : Climate Change, Human Rights and Intergenerational Justice [online] Vermont, Iowa [Published 2009] Available at http ://international.uiowa.edu/centers/human-rights/documents/CLI_Policy_Paper.pdf [Accessed 29 September 2009]



Why does youth matter ?

According to the World Youth Report 2005

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“ We are going to need the imagination and the creativity of even more such young heroes ”

I was fifteen years old when I first began

in particular, young people. I first saw this

We must all work to ensure that today’s

Right at this moment, millions of young

fighting injustice. It was the vision of equal

in the anti-Apartheid struggle, later as an

youth do not slide into the cynicism that

volunteers are engaged in the struggle for

education in apartheid South Africa that

anti-Poverty activist and today as the head

prevents so many adults from speaking

climate justice around the world. But given

made me stand up, demand justice and

of Greenpeace. Dissatisfied with the way

out and getting involved. We must do our

the struggles we face, we are going to need

equality and put my own comfort on the

things are going, young people around the

best to enable today’s youth so that they

the imagination and the creativity of even

line (I was subsequently expelled from

globe are standing up, calling for change

may breathe new energy into what, in most

more such young heroes. I am convinced

school). And it was there, on the streets

and demanding justice. Young volunteers

places, has become a stale and moribund

that in the face of the enormous struggles

of Chatsworth, Durban with my fellow stu-

are ready to be seen not as tomorrow’s

public life. We must work very hard to en-

we currently face – an ongoing poverty cri-

dents and friends, that I realised many of

leaders, but as the leaders of today.

able them to be able to contribute their

sis, a financial crisis and a climate crisis

the amazing possibilities inherent in Civil

voices, their enthusiasm and their engage-

all challenging us simultaneously – it is

Society : the power we have as simple in-

Take climate change, which is the most

ment. Failing to engage the world’s young

the young who have the greatest scope for

dividuals when we come together and act ;

pressing problem the world has ever faced.

people would mean squandering the enor-

the action, innovation and creative engage-

the things we can learn when we take the

It is becoming increasingly clear that young

mous potential that active youth participa-

ment the world so desperately needs.

time to listen to one another ; the strong

people understand better than anyone

tion has to offer in our fight to achieve a

friendships we form when we are joined in

what is at stake - perhaps this is because

fair and sustainable future for this and fu-

the struggle for a just cause and the satis-

they are the ones who will have to live with

ture generations. We cannot allow that to

faction we receive from knowing that we are

the consequences of whatever decisions

happen.

doing the right thing. Getting involved as an

we make today. Let’s remember the ques-

activist at a young age set me on a path of

tion that was emblazoned on many T-Shirts

lifelong political involvement and made me

worn by young members of the Global

who I am today.

Campaign for Climate Action delegation in Copenhagen last year : ‘How old will you be

History shows us that terrible things can

in 2050 ?’ The message that these young

happen when men and women don’t speak

people were sending was clear : the future

out or feel that they can’t speak out. But

belongs to them, and they’re going to do

history also shows us that if they do, “ or-

everything they can to ensure environmen-

dinary people ” have the power to create

tal, social and economic justice for future

extraordinary change and that includes,

generations.



Kumi Naidoo, Executive Director, Greenpeace International

12

13

these projects out themselves remain

ple. Moreover, youth organisations are of-

small. Consequently, the types of projects

ten ready to try new and innovative ways

that can be funded as well as the different

of working.

funding possibilities available must be diversified. Grants for shorter time-periods should be designed and allocated, as well

Open up to youth

as support for project planning and the implementation of more simplified appli-

The valuable contribution of youth organi-

cation procedures. The small extra costs

sations to development should be further

such funding might incur would be paid

Youth is a major group affected by poverty,

Development assistance must be based

acknowledged and strengthened. Youth

back several times over by the volunteer

however young people are often ignored

on democratic decision-making, and the

organisations must be effectively engaged

work done in youth organisations. In the

on the development agendas. Investing

UN General Assembly clearly asks for the

in the formulation, implementation and

long run, more and more youth organisa-

in youth is fundamental to development.

inclusion of youth organisations in de-

monitoring of development strategies and

tions would also have built up the capac-

Youth needs to be mainstreamed into pov-

velopment policy-making. Yet, in a large

actions and provided with the adequate

ity to get support through existing funding

erty reduction strategies and the concerns

number of countries of the world young

support to undertake their work. Youth or-

programmes, thus increasing the efforts

related to youth poverty should be fully

people are traditionally excluded from

ganisations must also benefit from funding

and actors contributing to the achievement

integrated in the development actions, in-

such processes. If engaged with correctly,

opportunities to carry out their own devel-

of the MDGs.

cluding the priorities defined in the World

partnerships with youth organisations can

opment initiatives. This will enable them to

Programme of Action for Youth.

bring much needed experience, knowledge,

fulfil their role and responsibility as devel-

Unless opportunities exist that allow youth

and perspectives to the implementation

opment actors.

organisations to start obtaining funding for

The problem of youth poverty cannot be

and planning of development actions and

solved by merely targeting youth to a great-

programmes.

development cooperation, the direct step Access to funding continues to be one

to “ conventional funding ” might often be

er extent. Young people also need to be

of the major obstacles for youth organi-

too hard to take. Apart from some, usually

considered as actors who can make valu-

sations to develop their capacity as de-

non-governmental, funding opportunities

velopment

and

for youth groups, there are also a few cas-

International Institutions have a major role

es in which National Youth Councils have

able contributions to policy-making as well

Agents of change

as during the implementation of projects.

actors.

Governments

Even if policies do target young people and

Several development actors are increasing-

to play in increasing and making more ac-

taken the initiative by getting development

accord them due consideration, those de-

ly realising that young people are not only

cessible the funding opportunities to youth

agencies to channel some funding through

termining the policies must understand the

targets but also agents of change. However,

organisations.

them to youth organisations.

realities faced by young people today. This

much still remains to be done. Youth or-

does not only require more research on

ganisations across the world have already

Funding through development assistance

youth poverty, but also a more general un-

shown that this is possible. They are impor-

programmes is usually not available to

derstanding of the needs and aspirations

tant actors because their constituencies,

youth organisations and thus development

of those affected – and the ones who know

young people, have a much higher under-

agencies are losing the possibility of reap-

this best are young people themselves.

standing of volunteering and a belief in the

ing the full potential of youth volunteering

need and possibilities to change the world.

and engagement. While there are more and

Their role is crucial because representative

more projects targeting youth, the pos-

structures are indispensable to voice the

sibilities of youth organisations carrying



1.2 WHICH ROLE FOR YOUTH ORGANISATIONS ?

concerns and aspirations of young peo-

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1.3 THE YOUTH FORUM AND EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT POLICY : 30 YEARS OF ACTION ! The work of the European Youth Forum has resulted in important achievements in they should take into account the needs of young people. Since its establishment in 1978, the Forum (back then called “ Youth Forum of the European Communities ”) decided to have development co-operation as one of its core areas of interest. Activities can be summarised into three periods : Youth

Forum

and

EC

Development

Cooperation (1978-1985) : A first reso-

the MDGs was taken by signing a formal

Response, Edgard Pisani and an independ-

partnership with the Millennium Campaign

ent evaluation of the Lome III Convention

of the UN in June 2006.

was produced in 1985. Cooperation with the European Commission ACP-EC Youth Cooperation (1986-1995) :

continued with the negotiations for the

Thanks to the previous involvement of the

Cotonou Agreement in 2000 and led to the

Forum, youth organisations from Africa,

inclusion of the youth article (art. 26) and,

the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries

in 2005, to its further improvement with the

started a consolidated process of coopera-

revision of the Partnership Agreement. YFJ

tion in 1986 with young Europeans, work-

contacts with the European Parliament led

ing together to ensure that the voice of

the Development Committee, in September

young people was heard in the Lome pro-

2007, to start a study on the impact of EU

cess. The result of the subsequent lobbying

Development Policies on young people, cur-

work was the concrete reference to youth in

rently under preparation. Further, in 2007,

the Lome IV Convention. This cooperation

Commissioner Louis Michel invited the YFJ

was further formalised with the organisa-

to join the Civil Society Stakeholders Group

tion of three joint Assemblies of the ACP-

within DG Development.

EC Youth (1990, 1993, and 1995) and with the continuous request for the recognition

During this last phase, the European Youth

of young people as partners in all areas of

Forum was actively involved in the organi-

competence of the Convention.

sation of the first Africa-Europe Youth Summit which took place in Lisbon from 5 to 7 December 2007 and the follow-up

Global Cooperation (1996-2008) : With

of the EU-Africa Joint Strategy. The Youth

lution was adopted in 1979 and gave the

Of course this definition needs to be read

the merging of the three existing European

Summit was organised in partnership with

base to start to advocate for a stronger role

today taking into consideration the politi-

Youth Platforms in 1996, YFJ widened the

the North-South Centre of the Council of

of NGOs and Youth in development coop-

cal and historical moment in which was

scope of its action in development coop-

Europe, the Portuguese Youth Council,

eration. At the Youth Forum’s Executive

released. Nevertheless, this agreement

eration. Cooperation was enlarged to other

the Pan-African Youth Union, and other

Committee in November 1982, the mem-

laid the basis for the political action of the

regions beyond the ACP, with the inclusion

national and international youth organisa-

bers agreed on the following definition of

Forum in following years. Between 1982

of Latin America, Asia and the Arab World

tions, with the support of the European

development :

and 1985, seminars were organised and po-

in the Global Co-operation Co-ordination

Commission and the Portuguese govern-

sition papers were drafted, positioning the

Committee, a tool to work with YFJ partners

ment. The European Youth Forum has also

Youth Forum of the European Communities

in other continents. Since 1997, YFJ has

been involved in the European Civil Society

as a credible actor in development coop-

devoted 1% of its annual budget to finance

Organisation Steering Group for the im-

eration. Close contacts were established

youth-led development projects carried out

plementation and monitoring of the Joint

with the Commissioner for International

by its partner organisations in the different

Africa-EU Strategy and its Action Plan.

We believe development is a concept which transcends a crude equation with increases in national income, but should

regions of the world. Furthermore, a spe5. Youth Forum of the European Communities (1982) Youth Forum’s views and proposals regarding the European Community’s Contribution to development, adopted at the Executive Committee 5-6 November 1982

cial commitment on the implementation of



development policies, particularly in that

consider all aspects of the quality of life. Development depends on altering power relationships in society, improving the ability of people to enjoy maximum participation in decision making, strengthening political and economic self-reliance and independence, as well as ensuring the extension of social rights such as education. A prerequisite must be to ensure that all basic human needs are fulfilled.5

Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis

16

Active steps were also taken to strengthen

Youth Organisation and the North-South

the cooperation with the Arab region. In

Centre of the Council of Europe. Preceding

November 2009, in Assilah, Morocco, the

the VI EU-LAC Summit of Heads of State

3

Which role does the European Youth Forum play ?

and Government, the First EU-LAC Youth Summit gathered 167 youth representa-

and Migration : A Human Rights Based

tives from 38 countries of Europe, Latin

Approach ”. In July 2010

the European

America and the Caribbean region. The

Youth Forum also co-organised, togeth-

Summit concluded with a written decla-

er with the Italian National Youth Forum,

ration adopted by youth delegates that

the Directorate of Youth and Sport of the

urged their governments and international

Council of Europe and the League of Arab

institutions to take into consideration the

The European Youth Forum and many of its

In addition, the YFJ is cooperating within

States the Euro-Arab Youth Conference

valuable contribution that young people

Member Organisations, both international

the International Coordination Meeting of

“ Mare Nostrum :

and youth organisations can give to the

youth organisations and national youth

Youth Organisations (ICMYO – www.icmyo.

dialogue and cooperation between these

councils, have been working on develop-

net) which brings together regional youth

regions on regional and global issues and

ment issues for a long time. This is done

platforms and international youth organi-

During this period the European Youth

to the further development of the EU-LAC

through working with international institu-

sations with a global outreach.

Forum was committed to strengthen the

strategic partnership.

tions and governments, and advocating for

Youth,

Migration

and

Development ”.

cooperation with Asia as well, carrying

the achievement of the MDGs, in coopera-

on fruitful exchanges and enhanced co-

tion with other youth organisations from all

operation on youth policy development

over the world.

in both regions. The 1st EU-China Youth Leader Summit was held in Hangzhou

Moreover, the European Youth Forum co-

and Shanghai, 7-11 May 2010, co-organ-

operates with other regional youth plat-

ised by the European Youth Forum, the All

forms, and at the global level, works with-

China Youth Federation and the European

in the Global Co-operation Coordination

Commission.

Committee (GCCC) which gathers the regional non-governmental youth platforms

The European Youth Forum also made

of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe,

progress in the cooperation with Latin

Latin America, and the Pacific.

America and Caribbean. On 7-9 May the I EU-LAC Youth Summit took place in Fuenlabrada-Madrid,

organised

by

the

Spanish Youth Council in the framework of the EU Spanish Presidency, in partnership with the European Youth Forum, the Latin American Youth Forum, the Iberoamerican Youth Space, the Caribbean Federation of Youth Revitalisation Committee, the Spanish Youth Institute, the Iberoamerican


League of Arab States Youth Forum

took place, focused on the theme “ Youth

rd


17

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2.1 THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS ARE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GOALS

PART II

Accomplishing what is set out in the MDGs

considered more in development policy be-

requires more resources for development

cause it is obvious that achieving already

action, the revision of trade rules, and

agreed commitments requires their in-

debt reduction, among other actions. One

volvement. The reason is simple ; the goals

important element that is not often men-

themselves target young people although

tioned when discussing the achievement of

this is not always explicitly mentioned. The

the MDGs is the need to involve and tar-

clearest and most important example of

get young people specifically. The reason

this is the Millennium Development Goals.

for doing this is simple – the Millennium Development

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Goals

are

clearly

Youth

Development Goals.

are a set of eight goals and 20 targets on how to halve poverty by 2015, reduce child mortality and fight epidemics.6 World leaders committed to their achievement at the

Goal 1 : Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

United Nations General Assembly in 2000. They are time-bound, people-oriented, and

About half of the young people in the

progress in reaching them is easily meas-

world live in poverty. If youth are given

urable. Foremost, the MDGs are of impor-

more consideration in poverty reduction

tance because they are achievable - if they

strategies, their ability to escape from pov-

are taken seriously.

erty at the beginning of their lives would increase - thus breaking the vicious cycle of poverty handed down from generation to generation.

6. United Nations, 2007. Student Voices Against Poverty [online] New York. Available at www.un.org/millenniumgoals/youth.shtml [accessed 11 September 2010]

Part II- (Youth) Development Policy

(YOUTH) DEVELOPMENT POLICY

It is concerning that young people are not

20

Goal 2 : Achieve Universal Primary Education

21

Goal 5 : Improve Maternal Health

Goal 7 : Ensure 2010 MDG Summit 7 Environmental Sustainability The 2010 United Nations Summit on the

It is obviously of extreme importance for

Pregnancy is the leading cause of death

It is young people and their children that

Millennium Development Goals took place

young people to complete their education

among women aged 15-19. Moreover, be-

will have to deal with the consequences

on 20-22 September, concluding with the

if they are to be able to escape poverty.

cause of gender-based violence (i.e. do-

of not taking environmental sustainabil-

adoption of a Global Action Plan to achieve

Youth organisations can support this goal

mestic violence, rape, trafficking, and sexu-

ity seriously today, as many of the effects

the eight anti-poverty goals by their 2015

by providing volunteer tutoring and non-

al harassment) young mothers are a group

of pollution will only become evident over

targets. However, the most significant an-

formal education.

that needs special attention.

the longer term (i.e. climate change).

nouncement was that of a major new com-

Moreover, young people often have a better

mitment specifically for women’s and chil-

understanding of environmental problems

dren’s health and other initiatives against

and are more ready than older generations

poverty, hunger and disease.

to take action to achieve environmental sustainability.

Each day, 6,000 young people become in-

The Global Action Strategy to accelerate progress on women’s and children’s health

In addition to being a part of society which

fected with the HIV virus – this equates to

endures a very high level of discrimination,

more than half of all new HIV/AIDS cases.

young girls across the world face many dif-

This is an area in which young people are

ficulties, with fewer girls than boys attend-

already playing a major role, with many

ing school, fewer young women enjoying

major actors having acknowledged the im-

paid employment, and unwanted sex being

portance of young people in relation to the

This is a goal that is also aimed at pro-

a common problem. Being a place where

issue and of integrating them into their

viding the means for achieving the other

young people develop values, awareness

HIV/AIDS related programmes. Youth-led

goals. It is thus of significance for youth

This obviously is a welcome development

and actions to combat different challeng-

sexual and reproductive health education

that actions are taken both in general (i.e.

and governments, multinational organisa-

es, youth organisations have an important

has proven to be effective in tackling the

increasing aid) and specifically (i.e. provid-

tions and individuals must continue to in-

role to play.

pandemic. Likewise, youth organisations

ing micro-financing possibilities for youth).

vest in human development not only to en-

can take actions through awareness-rais-

One of the targets under Goal 8 specifically

sure that we achieve the development goals

Goal 8 : Develop a Global Partnership for Development

committed over US$40 billion in resources over the next five years. In terms of human life, this commitment, if properly administered, has the potential of saving the lives of more than 16 million women and children.

ing when contributing to Goals 4 and 5.

deals with the importance of producing de-

by 2015, but also to ensure that our future

Goal 4 : Reduce Child Mortality

This awareness-raising can also be carried

cent and productive work for youth. This is

together is stable and sustainable.

out internally, as youth organisations are

an issue on which youth organisations are

a place where attitudes and behavioural

actively working. Finally, through advocacy

Infants born to teenage mothers are 80%

change are frequently discussed.

and awareness-raising, youth organisa-

more likely to die than infants born to

tions have proven to be important actors

mothers between 20-29 years old. Young

in changing popular attitudes and pressur-

mothers therefore need to be specifically

ing governments to adhere to their commit-

targeted to help reduce child mortality.

ments – which is crucial to Goal 8 as well as to the other MDGs.

7. http ://eee.un.org/en/mdg/summit2010/pdf/mdg%20outcome%20document.pdf



Goal 3 : Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women

Goal 6 : Combat HIV/ AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases

22

23

The European Students’ Forum (AEGEE-Europe)

The Millennium Development Goals : A

AEGEE designed this project in coopera-

Challenge for Today’s Youth ?

tion with the Gujarat Public School – BRG

2.2 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

India) and the ARESTA (based in Cape

the empowerment of young people are of

Town, South Africa), which is composed

Apart from the MDGs, there are several in-

The role of civil society is, however, barely

paramount importance for AEGEE, which

of four principle activities : a preliminary

ternational agreements that establish the

dealt with in the final Paris Declaration.

is organised in 43 European countries. As

meeting held in Brussels in December

framework for development policies. For ex-

The youth dimension is something that

part of its MDG work, a group of young

2009 ; two case study trips to India and

ample, within the Development Assistance

OECD DAC in general has not worked on.

people from Europe, India and South

South Africa in June and September 2010

Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for

The Paris Declaration nevertheless makes

Africa, have joined hands across continents

respectively ; and a final conference in

Economic Co-operation and Development

clear the increased importance of national

and taken up the challenge of empowering

Utrecht, The Netherlands, in November

(OECD), guidelines and policies are often

development plans, and it has thus become

young people in their countries and local

2010, to discuss findings and produce a

reviewed and agreed upon in particular

even more important for youth organisa-

communities.

concluding message on youth contribution

donor countries. The guidelines that are

tions to play a role in the determination of

to the MDGs.

adopted there are expected to be followed

such plans.

by all OECD member countries. At a highlevel summit in Paris in 2005, new guide-

The largest gatherings of world leaders

lines to make development assistance more

that have ever taken place on the issue of

effective and make the MDGs more meas-

climate change were the Earth Summit

urable were discussed. One hundred coun-

in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and the World

tries are adhering to the outcome of the

Summit on Sustainable Development in

meeting, known as the Paris Declaration

Johannesburg in 2002. During these two

on Aid Effectiveness, according to which

Summits the world leaders discussed

the recipient country’s influence over the

how to achieve sustainable development.

cooperation, and ownership of the process

Development policy was therefore also an

should increase, alongside improvements

important issue. Youth received special

in the donor country’s coordination of the

recognition in these two Summits and the

poverty reduction strategies. All assistance

work carried out in between them. For ex-

should be guided by the recipient country’s

ample, youth are recognised as one of nine

national development plans.

major groups in the Johannesburg Summit and the annual Commission for Sustainable



Group, AIESEC Baroda (based in Vadodara, The Millennium Development Goals and

24

25

EU policies and programmes for development cooperation and sustainable development open to Youth Organisations

effectiveness of aid delivered by the official

commitments. In the Johannesburg Plan

agencies.

of Implementation, youth is mentioned in relation to consumption and lifestyle,

Development assistance is a topic that re-

poverty reduction, education and the im-

quires specific attention in this context.

plementation of sustainable development

Development assistance has existed for

programmes. The European Youth Forum

a long time, and it was civil society who

is now actively working to achieve the rec-

was first to take the lead on it. During the

ognition of youth as a major group also in

1960s an increasing number of rich coun-

the UN Framework Convention on Climate

tries began to provide development assis-

The EU is a major player when it comes to

organisations. For more information :

Change (UNFCCC). There are many devel-

tance. Its direction has of course changed

development assistance. Together, the EU

http : //ec.europa.eu/development/policies/

opment strategies exist in operation and

over time. Nowadays, there is for example

and its Member States provide more than

development_programmes_en.cfm

as all usually tackle poverty reduction and

more importance put on awareness-raising

sustainable development, they are of im-

and development education in donor coun-

half of the total development assistance in the world (of which a fifth is managed by

// Country Programmes : The EU has rep-

portance for young people, and thus, youth

tries. This is an area in which youth organi-

the Commission). Consequently, EU poli-

resentation in more than 120 countries in

organisations should be engaged in imple-

sations have an important role to play.

cies on development have a big influence

the world and they play an increasingly im-

menting them.

on the development agenda. The inclusion

portant role in programming and managing

When addressing development strategies,

Since the 1970s, there has been a demand

of a youth article in the ACP Agreement

projects. Establishing contacts and cooper-

a clear differentiation should be made be-

for richer countries to devote 0.7% of their

and the good cooperation in the frame of

ation between these offices and local youth

tween international agreements and guide-

Gross National Income (GNI) to develop-

the EU-Africa Strategy increased the vis-

organisation is of great value. For the list of

lines, and national strategies of both the

ment assistance. This demand has been

ibility and importance of youth issues.

Country Offices : http ://ec.europa.eu/comm/

donor and recipient. Moreover, there are

reiterated several times, for example in

Nevertheless, the EU is still lagging behind

external_relations/repdel/index_rep_en.cfm

many other policies that are of tremen-

the MDGs. So far only four countries are

when it comes to acknowledging the need

dous importance to development, such as

fulfilling the demand and it is unlikely that

for a youth dimension in its development

//Youth in Action Programme : The Youth

trade agreements, agricultural policies,

the goal will be met unless there is strong-

policies. This must be changed !

in Action Programme has a specific meas-

and financial agreements. As these policies

er public pressure within donor countries

ure (3.2 - “ Youth in the World ”) open for

could support or undermine development

themselves. Nevertheless, a mere increase

Below are some of the tools of the EU to in-

organisations to present youth projects

commitments that affect youth, they are

of aid needs to be combined with proper

crease cooperation of youth organisations

in countries other than the neighbouring

also of importance for young people.

coherence among different policies ; other-

with their partners in the South :

countries of the EU. In 2009, the Youth in

wise this will not guarantee more effective

Action programme will have sustainable

Achieving coherence among all these dif-

// Development Cooperation instrument

development and climate change as one

ferent policies is probably one of the most

(DCI) : The new thematic programmes

of two of its annual priorities. For more

difficult challenges for governments and

When talking about national strategies

(2006-2013) are now open to all Non-State

information : http ://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/

international institutions. Overlaps and

there are both strategies that are setting

Actors. In particular the programmes

index_en.htm

contradictions between development poli-

the framework for the donor country as

“ Civil Society and Local Authorities in

cies and others, such as trade, defence,

well as strategies for the recipient country.

Development ” and “ Investing in People ”

environmental and migration policies, of-

Increasingly, these strategies are discussed

are

ten undermine the desired impact of de-

between the countries concerned and they

velopment cooperation and question the

also depend on international commitments

particularly

interesting

for

youth

results.



Development that is following up on these

26

27

global and national level, these are often

other policies, the level to which youth are

forgotten. That they even exist, however,

considered differs widely between particu-

constitutes a strong argument for includ-

lar donor development policies : in a few

ing young people in relevant processes.

cases, countries have their own overall

Countries also design specific policies re-

strategy and are talking about mainstream-

lating to the achievement of certain com-

ing youth ; in other cases, countries men-

mitments. Consequently, there are for ex-

tion youth in strategies that relate to child

ample many national MDG-strategies and

rights ; but in far too many cases, national

sustainable development strategies.

The European Youth Forum promotes the

Since then the 1% Solidarity Fund has be-

development policies do not take account

principle of increasing development as-

come both a tool for advocating national

of youth at all. The level of discussion con-

Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs)

sistance of richer countries to even more

governments to do the same and increase

cerning the coherence between develop-

are one such form of national strategy that

than the 0,7% of their GNI, setting the

the resources devoted to development co-

ment policies and other policies also varies

are playing an increasingly important role

example that it is possible also for a Civil

operation, and a tool to increase the capac-

considerably.

in development, having become key docu-

Society Platform to do the same. In fact,

ity of its partners in the South. A specific

in 1997, the European Youth Forum set up

feature in the cooperation between the

To enable a recipient country to put for-

gards to economic and social policy. PRSPs

the 1% Solidarity Fund, which devotes 1%

European Youth Forum and other platforms

ward its biggest concerns and needs, and

were first introduced seven years ago as

of the annual budget of the Organisation

is the principle of equal partnership based

equally, for the donor to put forward the

a requirement to get debt relief from the

to development cooperation projects spe-

on the specific needs of each platform.

priorities of its development policy, donor

World Bank and the International Monetary

cifically targeted to help the sustainability

This ensures that the 1% Solidarity Fund

and recipient governments usually discuss

Fund under their Heavily Indebted Poor

and the capacity building of other regional

does not become a tool to impose a unique

how their development cooperation will

Countries initiative. They are updated every

youth platforms and their members in oth-

model of development for regional youth

work. However, it is common that a do-

three years and progress reports are made

er continents.

platforms.

nor will also try to exert influence on the

annually.8 PRSPs have received criticism for

recipient on other issues e.g. pushing for

not involving civil society enough in the pro-

the adoption of trade agreements benefi-

cess and for the economic requirements

cial to the donor country itself. The degree

that often accompany them. There are only

of involvement of civil society in related

a few cases in which youth organisations

processes differs widely, as indeed it does

have been involved in the PRSP-process

from country to country.

and where the national PRSP has a youth

ments in low-income countries with re-

dimension. This is obviously a problem if The natural thing would be that the de-

they are to tackle poverty.

velopment strategies are coherent with other strategies and policies, such as the Millennium Development Goals and the World Programme of Action for Youth as well as national youth policies where such exist. With regards to youth policy on the

8. International Monetary Fund, 2010. Fact sheet on Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers [online] Washington. Available at www.imf.org/external/np/exr/contacts/contacts.aspx [Accessed 29 September 2010]



The 1% Solidarity Fund of the European Youth Forum

such as those discussed above. As with

28

29

Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe (EYCE)

Swiss National Youth Council (SAJV/CSAJ) Youth for development

Environment is one of the most challeng-

Campaigns have proved to be effective

Youth for development is a programme

CSAJ/SAJV also offers capacity build-

ing concerns for contemporary society. It

tools in the work of EYCE in previous years.

designed by and for youth in the field of

ing activities for youth organisations in

is clear that climate change is affecting the

In 2005-2008, EYCE was running the

development cooperation. Youth for devel-

Switzerland and does know-how transfer

entire planet. Just one example of the ef-

Campaign “ Youth Fighting HIV and AIDS ”

opment advocates for development where

activities with National Youth Councils in

fects of dangerous climate change in 2010

and from 2008-2010 the “ Campaign to

youth are not only the recipients of help,

developing countries.

was the heavy rains in the Philippines in

Overcome Fundamentalism ”. These cam-

but are also independent actors and part-

July which were directly connected to

paigns reached a large number of young

ners. As the umbrella association of Swiss

CSAJ/SAJV

mild winters in Baltic States. As a result

people from all over Europe. As a result

youth organisations, CSAJ/SAJV has be-

which supports small-scale youth projects

of these environmental changes there has

EYCE decided to launch a 3-year campaign

come familiar with the needs and concerns

planned and implemented jointly by Swiss

been a higher frequency of tornadoes in

to promote ecological justice, which will

of young people through many years of

and local youth organisations in South-

the Pacific in recent years. However, there

run from 2011 until 2013.

experience. With the support of the Swiss

Eastern Europe and an Online-Tool-Kit of-

Agency for Development and Cooperation

fers online and youth friendly information

is a far greater connection than simply

also

runs

“ East

Project ”

between different environments. The link

The overall aim of the campaign will be to

(SDC), CSAJ/SAJV carries out various pro-

and knowledge about development coop-

between ecological responsibility and the

commit EYCE, its Member Organisations

jects and activities that contribute to the

eration topics and project planning and

wealth and poverty of others should also be

and individual young people to act re-

development of the potential of young peo-

management.

considered. The effects of climate change

sponsibly towards the environment and to

ple in Switzerland and in target countries.

and migration should also be explored as

empower them to advocate for a greener

The goal is the improvement of living con-

should the connection between climate

Europe. This will be done by raising aware-

ditions for all and to the ability for young

change’s impact on natural resources and

ness of ecological issues in Europe, study-

people to participate in important pro-

military conflict and violence.

ing the developments from the Kyoto and

cesses. “ South Project ” for example sup-

Copenhagen Climate Change Conferences

ports small-scale youth projects planned

It is the responsibility of each individual,

and exploring the relation between ecolo-

and implemented jointly by Swiss and lo-

including young people, who will be the

gy, economy and politics, including review-

cal youth organisations in Africa, Asia and

main players in future Europe and shape

ing ecology issues as basis for numerous

Latin-America.

the world of tomorrow, to work against

conflicts.

the negative effects of climate change and raise awareness on environmental issues.



Campaign to Promote Ecological Justice

30

31

As young people both represent the pre-

Five additional areas of concern to youth

sent and the future and the key to achiev-

were adopted by the UN General Assembly

ing global development targets, it is vital

in 2003 : Globalisation ; Information and

to ensure that there is not only a youth di-

Communication ; HIV/AIDS ; Conflict pre-

mension in current development policies

vention ; and Intergenerational relations.

but also to consider the specific role of

Through the implementation of WPAY and

young people in individual areas, particu-

regional and global dialogue and coopera-

larly areas where youth are already active

tion frameworks, young people and youth

and working as agents of change.

organisations have been able to tackle global issues, contribute to the develop-

The

PART III

most

important

framework

ment of coordinated and coherent policies

ing specifically with young people on the

and programmes and promote awareness

global level is the UN World Programme

raising, information sharing and capacity

of Action for Youth (WPAY).The WPAY fo-

building. In order to properly look at the

cuses on the challenges faced by young

work of young people and what is required

people, is strongly interrelated with the

for the future a closer analysis of some pri-

MDGs and is the most complete example

ority fields is required.

of a global consensus between governments to engage young people. Adopted in 1995, the WPAY is considered as the first

YOUTH (DEVELOPMENT) POLICY

“ global blueprint ” for developing effective policies for young people, with the peculiarity of having been drafted by young people, for young people. The document currently contains 15 priorities. The original ones were

Education,

Employment,

Hunger,

Poverty, Environment, Drug Abuse, Juvenile Delinquency, Leisure-time activities, Girls and Young women and the Full and effective participation of youth in the life of society and decision-making.

Part III- Youth (Development) Policy

deal-

32

33

Dutch National Youth Council (DNYC)

The Dutch National Youth Council has an

Youth representatives work with a junior/

In order to achieve real equality, a rights-

Another issue of huge concern is that of

extensive background in youth involve-

senior system. Each youth representative

based approach to gender equality must lie

climate change and its impact, both on

ment in social and political affairs world-

has a mandate for two years with one year

at the heart of all youth and global devel-

the environment as well as on other key

wide. It endorses officially elected Youth

overlap. The junior youth representative at-

opment goals. This is key in order to ensure

development areas. A truly sustainable ap-

Representatives to take part in internation-

tends the Conference of Parties (COP) with

that progress is not made at the expense

proach must be taken in order to achieve

al conferences, such as the UN Framework

an NGO accreditation whereas the senior

of women, and also because the empower-

the MDGs, so as to ensure that climate

Convention on Combating Climate Change

youth representative is part of the official

ment of girls and young women is a pre-

change does not undermine the efforts and

(UNFCCC). The Dutch National Youth

delegation. In this way, both the continuity

requisite to achieving the MDGs. Special

compromise the needs of the younger and

Council selects and nominates the most

and the quality of the youth contribution

areas to consider with regards to gender

future generations. Climate change have

suitable youth representative to take part

are ensured.

equality are decent employment and work-

been particularly felt by the world’s most

and actively participate in each respective

ing conditions, education and the achieve-

vulnerable people, as its impacts have been

conference.

ment of universal access to sexual and re-

exacerbating existing problems and devel-

productive health and rights. In these areas

opment issues such as hunger and access

youth organisations are at the forefront in

to water.

the struggle for gender equality and youth autonomy, particularly in their role as one

Only through addressing these interrelated

of the main providers of non-formal educa-

issues and working with those most affect-

tion on these issues for young people and

ed can we strive for more policy coherence

further mainstreaming is required in order

and a holistic vision of development.

to ensure that youth is considered and consulted when decisions are being made.9

9. YFJ 2007, Policy Paper on Achieving Equality Between Women & Men [online] Brussels. Available at www.youthforum.org/images/stories/Documents/Human_Rights/0685-07_GEquality_final.pdf. [Accessed 10 September 2010]



Youth representatives

3.1 MAINSTREAMING GENDER AND ENVIRONMENT

34

35

Education equals development. Without

that can be taught by learning facts and

Development is not just an issue for de-

education, individuals and societies can

statistics by heart. Participation has to be

veloping countries : it is a global issue of

not obtain the necessary knowledge and

experienced and the frame for this is formal

all citizens. This spirit forms the basis of

competences to develop economically while

education. It requires schools to see their

Global Education, the education that opens

keeping social cohesion.

students as partners in the educational pro-

people’s eyes to the realities of the world

cess, by involving them in setting the curric-

and that allows them to take action on

It is therefore worrying to see that many

ulum and influencing their school environ-

changing these realities. Global education,

young people still do not even receive pri-

ment, through their elected representatives.

sometimes called development education,

mary education. This is the case despite ed-

Formal education is crucial but it is not the

should be included in all formal education

ucation being inscribed as a Fundamental

best suited for all types of learning. It needs

programmes in a learning by-doing-way, by

Right in the Declaration of Human Rights,

to be complemented by non-formal educa-

establishing twinning projects and educa-

as well as in the Convention on the Rights

tion - an organised educational process

tional exchanges to develop learning that

of the Child and the International Covenant

which takes place alongside mainstream

is not theoretical but transformative for so-

on Economic Social and Cultural Rights

systems of education and training, and

ciety and the young people involved. Youth

(ICESCR). This is an unacceptable situation

does not typically lead to formal qualifica-

organisations as the main providers of non-

and several measures need to be taken both

tions. Individuals participate on a voluntary

formal education programmes are key pro-

by states and by civil society. The state has

basis and, as a result, take an active role

viders of Global Education for young people

to ensure free education for all and support

in the learning process. In countries where

through their programmes and activities.

young people from poorer families to en-

primary formal education does not reach

able them to pursue education instead of

the entire population, non-formal education

working. More has to be invested in higher

plays an important role in providing educa-

education to enable young people to con-

tion and skills to disadvantaged people. This

tinue their studies regardless of their fam-

is also an area within which youth organisa-

ily’s economic situation.

tions play a significant role, for example, assisting pupils through volunteer tutoring

Development is often hindered by badly functioning government structures and people not being prepared for real democratic citizenship. Development is not something

outside school.



3.2 EDUCATION

36

37

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)

Girl Guides from Mexico and Wales have

Member Organisations are also taking ac-

been working together on an anti-pov-

tion in different ways to support the MDGs.

erty project which has supported the marginalized

Mazahua

community

in

As part of their national theme for the

Mexico. Through the project, the girls and

Triennium 2007/2010, “ Wanting, Getting

young women learned about Millennium

to Know the World and Action ” and the im-

Development Goal 1 : ending poverty and

plementation of the GAT, the Association

hunger through non-formal education ac-

of Portuguese Guides (AGP) established

tivities. They then delivered a community

a project to support development in coun-

service project into the Mazaua commu-

As the leading voluntary organisation for

Through its mission to “ enable girls and

tries whose official language is Portuguese.

nity, where houses are made of wood and

girls and young women in the world, global

young women to discover their fullest

The purpose of the project is to sensitise

cardboard, and families collect water from

development is an important priority for

potential as responsible citizens of the

Girl Guides in Portugal to get involved in

a well.

WAGGGS. Seven in ten of the world’s hun-

world ”, and building on WAGGGS’ history

their community, raise awareness about the

gry are girls and young women. They are

of developing non-formal educational ac-

MDGs in the framework of a programme of

Above are just a few examples, for further

also the most affected by climate change

tivities to address the most important glob-

education for development. By baking and

information on WAGGGs’ extensive devel-

and pandemics such as AIDS and malaria

al issues affecting girls and young women,

selling cookies, Girl Guides were mobilised

opment work can be found at www.wagggs.

which continue to impact more directly on

WAGGGS’ Global Action Theme is a six-

to raise financial support to : rehabilitate a

org

the life chances of women and girls.

year programme to empower and support

community bakery in East Timor, improve a

girls and young women to advocate, edu-

school for young girls in Angola and restore

However, despite the fact that investment

cate and carry out community projects to-

a library in Mozambique.

in girls and young women can start a pro-

wards the achievement of the Millennium

cess of education and care that breaks the

Development Goals. (MDGs).

cycle of poverty, they are often not includ-

the Global Action Theme, WAGGGS has de-

ed or considered in the development of so-

veloped a badge curriculum for its mem-

lutions to these problems. Educated girls

bers aged 5-18 to help them understand

and young women earn more money, start

the issues and how they can take action at

their families later and have fewer children.

local, national or global level on the MDGs ;

When girls understand about their own

and a toolkit funded by the European Youth

health and their rights, whole communities

Foundation of the Council of Europe to

are healthier and safer. When girls are free

help WAGGGS Member Organisations at

from sexual violence, coercion and destitu-

European level to get involved.

tion they are free from sexually transmitted

programmes on the eradication of poverty

infections including HIV. When they are ed-

and hunger, protecting the environment,

ucated on sexual and reproductive health,

HIV/AIDS and girls’ empowerment have

their children are born healthy.

been developed following a survey of our

As part of

Specific

members to identify which of the MDG issues they believe to be the most important



Global Action Theme

for WAGGGS to take action. WAGGGS

38

39

The International Falcon Movement – Socialist Education International (IFM-SEI)

The Portuguese National Youth Council (CNJ) Roteiro 3456

Peers without frontiers is a global project

work more effectively at local level.

Of the Millennium Development Goals,

Roteiro 3456 is an ongoing project which

aiming to set up a network of young people

The young people involved in the project

goal three of promoting gender equality,

aims to strengthen the presence of the

actively contributing to the achievement

shared approaches to peer education and

goal four of reducing child mortality, goal

MDGs related to sexual and reproductive

of the Millennium Development Goals.

developed peer education projects in their

five of improving maternal health and goal

health and rights (SRHR) on the political

By training and supporting a network of

local communities, focusing on youth con-

six of combating HIV, AIDS, malaria, and

agenda and public opinion, with a special

peer educators in 17 International Falcon

tribution to the achievement of the MDGs.

other diseases relate most closely to sexu-

focus on the response to the WHO Strategy

Movement Member Organisations world-

As a result of the project, IFM-SEI are also

al, reproductive health and rights. They are

Document adopted by the Portuguese

wide IFM-SEI were able to support them to

developing a set of peer education materi-

also the most difficult to achieve and pose

Cooperation. The activities proposed by

als on the MDGs.

significant challenges not only to political

the project aim to broaden and deepen

and community leaders, but also human-

the scope of intervention for the develop-

kind as a whole. The achievement of these

ment of education in SRHR in its approach

goals require the improvement in services

to human rights awareness and solidarity,

and infrastructure related to : family plan-

namely among young people. Several re-

ning ; maternal care, equal opportunities ;

cent commitments reinforce the relevance

women’s rights ; HIV/AIDS prevention pro-

of this approach, namely the initiatives

grammes ; sexual education. They also re-

of

quire political and social progress on equal

Community (CPLP) related to issues of

opportunities ; women’s rights the eradi-

gender and HIV/AIDS and Health, in 2008 ;

cation of all forms of violence on women,

the conclusions of the meetings in the con-

including Female Genital Mutilation and

text of Education for Global Citizenship

other harmful practices. In order to ade-

and the New York Summit on the MDGs in

quately tackle this myriad of issues there

September 2010, among others.

needs to be a strong advocacy campaign and practical activities on the ground by civil society actors.

the

Portuguese-speaking

Countries



Peers without Frontiers : Youth for the MDGs

40

41

World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) Inter-regional Cooperation in Africa, the Arab States and Eurasia

Interregional co-operation has been an on-

Development in cooperation with six other

going process for WOSM over several years,

African youth NGOs. The right to health is stated in many in-

use. It needs to be tackled from a number

– 2013) of WOSM’s European Region re-

Grassroots scouting is in itself a develop-

ternational

the

of different approaches and including an

affirming that it is a high priority for the

ment activity. WOSM have a strong focus

Convention on the Rights of the Child and

approach that embraces gender equal-

movement.

on non-formal education and firmly be-

the International Covenant on Economic,

ity. Girls and young women are the group

lieve that education is a multi-faceted fun-

Social and Cultural Rights. The health of

worst affected by HIV/AIDS partly because

Three regions have been prioritised for

damental human right. WOSM recognises

children and young people, mothers and

on a global level they suffer more acutely

partnerships – Africa, the Arab States and

that that many children are excluded, for a

the prevention of the spread of the disease

from poverty. There is also evidence show-

Eurasia with partnership with Africa cur-

variety of reasons, from the standard for-

lie at the heart of the MDGs.

ing a link between gender-based violence

rently receiving the most focus. In this

mal education system. Non-formal educa-

context WOSM have several projects and

tion and the Scout Programme in particu-

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is also one of the

significant improvements in the ways that

efforts going on, linked by the youth dimen-

lar provide a flexible alternative to alleviate

main obstacles to poverty reduction with

HIV and AIDS is treated and pockets of im-

sion and the belief in the key role of young

shortcomings the formal education system

40 million people currently living with the

provements in condom use and prevention,

people in development and the formation

and enables disadvantaged young people

virus and more than half of all new cases

the rate of new HIV infections will continue

of development policy.

to gain knowledge and skills, within a value

each year affecting young people. Although

to outstrip the expansion of treatment until

based environment.

the spread of HIV appears to have stabi-

a more concerted approach is made with

lised in most regions, and more people are

gender equality and poverty reduction at its core. 11

The project is carried out in cooperation with non-formal

education

conventions,

notably

and the virus. Although there have been

the WOSM African Regional Office (ARO)

This

process

surviving longer, many young people still

and several National Scout Organisations

also allows WOSM’s National Member

lack the basic knowledge to protect them-

from the regions that are running partner-

Organisations to work towards the achieve-

selves against contracting HIV. In order to

Gender equality is also key to fighting many

ships. The aim is to improve the quality of

ment of the MDGs, including, for example,

fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic, all young

other health risks. Maternal health is one

interregional partnerships and develop a

through tackling food security in Kenya,

people should not only have the right to ba-

of many examples, with one woman in

practical toolkit for partners. Another focus

Burundi and Uganda, tackling diarrhoea

sic health services and access to treatment

three giving birth before the age of twenty,

is the empowerment of youth leaders by

and maternal health in Bolivia or promot-

but also education on the virus and how to

and pregnancy being the leading cause of

providing training courses on inter-regional

ing environmental sustainability through

prevent its contraction.10 HIV/AIDS preven-

death in developing countries for women

partnerships as well as co-operation at a

the World Scout Environment Programme.

tion must involve campaigns encouraging

aged 15-19. Moreover, infants born to teen-

pan-regional level with other international

Scouting works to create a better world,

responsible sexual behaviour and condom

age mothers are 80% more likely to die

youth NGOs. The latest round of trainings

harnessing the potential of young people

was organised in the framework of the

and empowering them to leave the world a

Second African University on Youth and

little better than they found it.

10. YFJ, 2008. Policy Paper on the Health and Well Being of Young People [online] Brussels. Available at www.youthforum.org/images/stories/Documents/Employment_and_Social_Affairs/0741-08_Final_Health_Well-being.pdf>. [Accessed 4 September 2010] 11. United Nations, 2010. The Millennium Development Goals Report [online] New York. Available at www.un.org/millenium goals> [Accessed 8 October 2010]



with the recently adopted work plan (2010

3.3 HEALTH, SRHR AND HIV/AIDS

42

43

during their first year compared to infants

There are obviously many other concerns

of mothers aged 20-29.12 The chances of a

for the health of young people. For exam-

child surviving increase relative to the level

ple, a major proportion of young people

of a mother’s education ; thus, if girls and

across the world live in rural areas where

young women have the same opportunities

access to health services often needs to be

as men, to continue their studies and to

ameliorated. At the same time, a substan-

form families later in life, infant mortality

tial part of those living in urban areas live

would decrease and maternal health would

in slums where they are subjected to air

improve.

pollution, unsafe water and poor sanitation

International Federations of Medical Students’ Associations HIV Education for Youth & Greater Involvement/ Support of People living with HIV

life. Thus, improving the health of young

IFMSA has a number of different standing

The project aims to make younger gener-

Development Goals further acknowledged

people also requires particular attention to

committees, one of which is the Standing

ation more aware, not only on HIV/ AIDS

the importance of gender equality with

issues ranging from access to health ser-

Committee on Reproductive Health includ-

but also on stigma and discrimination,

the announcement of commitments for

vices to sanitation and pollution. Anaemia,

ing AIDS (SCORA). The members of this

encouraging those affected and accepting

the improvement of the health of women

under-nourishment and malnutrition are

committee, have different projects which

them into our society and not neglecting

and young girls. Over US$40 billion was

particularly prevalent in developing and

focus on awareness raising on HIV/ AIDS,

them. With these projects members of the

pledged over the next five years under the

middle-income countries. These problems

sexually transmitted diseases, stigma and

SCORA project have realised that by work-

Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s

are becoming even more pressing now with

discrimination and the involvement of peo-

ing together and with the support and co-

Health. It has the potential of preventing

the stress on natural resources, and there

ple living with HIV/ AIDS, with focus on

operation of all those involved the project

33 million unwanted pregnancies, protect-

is an increasing imperative to address the

everyone but particularly on the younger

can gain significance on a global, and not

ing 120 million children from pneumonia,

food crisis and respect the right to food13.

generation.

just local, level.

advancing the control of deadly diseases

This right has also come under increased

and ensuring access for women and chil-

economic pressure with the recent global

The medical students of IFMSA SCORA

dren to quality facilities and skilled health

financial crisis dramatically slowing pover-

have developed different projects involving

workers.

ty reduction efforts, resulting in a spike in

raising awareness in grassroots communi-

hunger rates. The right to food is a human

ties in Africa and Europe, safe sex educa-

Although this is welcome, there is much

right and a binding obligation well-estab-

tion and training people to be able to train

work to be done as maternal mortality

lished under international law, recognised

others. The programme supports the in-

continues to remain high in much of the

in particular by the UN ICESCR, and must

volvement of people living with HIV/AIDS

developing world and, like with most of

not be compromised in times of economic

in its work.

the other goals, although there has been a

strain.

reduction in child mortality since 2000, it has not been done quickly enough to reach the 2010 and will most likely fall short of the final 2015 objective.

12. Ibid 13. Defined in the General Comment N0 12 by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as “ the right of every man, woman and child alone and in community with others to have physical and economic access at all times to adequate food or means for its procurement in ways consistent with human dignity. ”



during the most vulnerable period of their The 2010 UN Summit on the Millennium

45

Only through the reduction poverty and

Youth organisations have a role to play in

hunger can a sustainable future be real-

the area of health as well ; if sexual and re-

ised ; forsaking important health obliga-

productive health and rights, gender equal-

tions for short term economic considera-

ity, environmental problems, and other

tions would result in devastating long term

health concerns are to be tackled, aware-

consequences. To this end the European

ness-raising amongst young people is also

Commission’s adopted proposals to en-

needed. Through non-formal education and

hance the EU’s role in global health made

through working for the inclusion of these

in March 2010 are a positive step and ef-

issues on national curricula, youth organi-

forts must be stepped up to promote uni-

sations contribute significantly to this aim.

versal coverage and access to health ser-

In addition, many youth organisations ad-

Global youth unemployment reached 13%

finding employment, although this is only

vices to all.

vocate for these issues to be placed higher

in 2009, amounting to 81 million young

marginally reflected in official statistics

on the political agenda, for the respect of

people – the highest number ever. This

with female youth unemployment stand-

human rights and for greater coherence

is twice as much as the unemployment

ing at 13.2% compared to the male rate

with other policy areas (e.g. to ensure that

among the general population of the world.

of 12.9%.15

trade agreements do not distort the fight

In a two year period, between 2007 and

against HIV/AIDS and that economic poli-

2009, an additional 7.8 million young peo-

Combating youth unemployment contrib-

cies do not lead to more environmental

ple dropped off the labour market. 14

utes to ensuring that young people are

3.4 EMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY

pollution).

given a good start to help achieve their asOnly half of the young people around the

pirations as active citizens in a democrat-

world are actively participating in the la-

ic society. Fighting youth unemployment

bour market and within the next decade,

should consequently be seen as an impor-

an extra one billion people will reach work-

tant investment for economic sustainability

ing age. Unfortunately, many of them face

and health. Society can gain considerably

bleak prospects and little chance of ob-

from high youth labour force participation.

taining employment. Thus, youth unem-

For instance, according to the International

ployment is a particularly urgent problem.

Labour Organisation, if youth unemploy-

Never before have so many young people

ment were to be halved, the world economy

been without work or been in temporary

would gain at least US $2.2 billion a year.

and unstable employment. In many countries young people are more than three

It is important to talk not only in terms of

times as likely to be out of work as adults

the quantity of jobs but also to address

and the numbers are even worse when it

their quality. Presently, many employed

comes to the participation of young wom-

young people do not have decent-quality

en in the labour force. Young women face

jobs and therefore remain poor despite

significantly more difficulties, both social-

working. For example, among the 540 mil-

ly and economically than young men in

lion employed young people, approximately

14. International Labour Organization, 2010. Global Employment Trends for Youth [online] Geneva. Available at www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/.../---trends/.../wcms_143349.pdf/ [Accessed 2 September 2010] 15. Ibid



44

46

47

The National Council of Swedish Youth Organisations (LSU)

Service Civil International (SCI) Handcrafting Opportunities

In Tackling Poverty Together LSU, along with

people have achieved greater recognition

Pilateno is a small Nahua community of

After the project was over, the local peo-

UNDESA and youth organisations from

and involvement nationally in poverty re-

700 inhabitants in the municipality of

ple of Pilateno continue to produce small

each cooperation country, work to pro-

duction initiatives. Just two examples are

Xilitla in the Sierra Huasteca San Luis

craft and generate income for their fami-

mote the influence of young people on na-

that of the Liberia country team which has

Potosi in Mexico. Its inhabitants live on cof-

lies. Several factors contributed to the suc-

tional Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers

worked closely with its Ministry on Youth to

fee production, but more and more from

cess of this project : the availability of raw

(PRSP). The project, which takes place in

create and multiply a youth-friendly version

remittances generated by people migrat-

materials, the organisational experience of

Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya,

of the national PRSP and the country team

ing to other cities in Mexico or in the US.

Pilateno colleagues, who run a store selling

Zambia, Ghana and Liberia, has initiated

in Ghana which has developed a guide to

In most cases men work intensively in the

products at the lowest possible cost, but

and created the capacity for networks of

evaluate national youth policy, a publica-

fields, harvesting fruits or vegetables, or as

also the multicultural dialogue during the

youth organisations to take action in order

tion that will help young people to make in-

construction workers. Women, meanwhile,

project, which allowed to consider many

to increase young people’s participation in

put into national youth policy development.

work mainly as maids.

ways of seeing things and strengthens

poverty reduction processes. Through the

ideas.

development and implementation of action

During the summer of 2008 a group

plans the Tackling Poverty Together country

of SCI volunteers took part

teams have gained hands-on experience in

week project using seeds in order to pro-

research and analysis, strategic planning,

duce crafts. Beforehand, SCI’s local part-

and advocacy for greater inclusion in deci-

ner,

sion-making processes. As a result young

Intercambios (CEMIAC), had prepared the

Cochitlehua

Centro

in a three

Mexicano

de

experience by asking the local population whether they were interested. CEMIAC also identified members of another indigenous community that would train the local population. Then, a team of international volunteers were invited to participate in theproject.



Tackling Poverty Together

48

49

one in three, or 152 million young workers,

young women. The widespread problems

are living in extreme poverty - on less than

that many poorer people face in obtaining

US$1.25 per person per day. In total young

normal loans, when they do not have suf-

people constitute one fourth of the world’s

ficient security, are also common for many

working poor. 16

young people who have not had the chance

Jeugddienst Don Bosco/ Belgium & Don Bosco Youth-net (DBYN)

security for the loans. They therefore have

ment is also a major commitment in the

a harder time getting loans to assist them

Millennium Development Goals ; with Goal

in removing themselves from poverty at the

8 including a target to develop, “ in coop-

beginning of their lives. Micro-credit can

eration with the developing countries, […]

contribute to changing this situation.

You(th) for Human Rights

From July until December 2009 Jeugddienst

From July 2009, 25 organisations from all

decent and productive work for youth ”.

Don Bosco together with Don Bosco Youth-

over Europe, working with and for young

Moreover, the UN Secretary General Ban

net has organised and developed a youth

people, were involved in this youth democ-

Ki-moon has also acknowledged the urgen-

democracy project entitled You(th) for hu-

racy project to give the opportunity to all

cy of this problem by taking the initiative

man rights. The project, which has been

young Europeans to let their voices be

to the Youth Employment Network that is a

funded by the Youth in Action programme

heard about specific human rights educa-

driver for the employment and social inclu-

of the European Commission, focussed

tion issues. You(th) for human rights was

sion of young people.17

on human rights education and had as its

set up as a three stage project with a pre-

main aim to bring together young people

paratory phase, a European youth con-

However, youth unemployment and youth

from all over Europe through non-formal

gress which took place in Belgium and a

poverty must be tackled on the ground,

education.

third follow up stage concluded with the

with measures that allow for a smooth tran-

release of a publication about the project

sition between the education process and

and its outcomes.

employment. Measures should also be taken in order to foster entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial spirit of young people as well as to prevent the normalisation of temporary and unstable contracts. One effective measure of doing so is to provide micro-credit for young people, especially

16. Ibid 17. International Labour Organization, 2010. Fact Sheet on Decent Work and the Millennium Development Goals [online] Geneva. Available at www.ilocarib.org.tt/.../Youth%%20Employment/FactSheetmdg8.pdf [Accessed 17 September 2010]



to build up capital that could be used as Due to its importance, youth employ-

50

51

3.6 ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Development and peace are inextricably

In this context, an integrated strategy com-

Climate change is not only a huge threat

East Asia could face a loss of 9-13% of

linked. Combined with poverty, armed con-

bining the protection and relief of young

to global development and the future of

GDP compared to how it would have been

flicts and violence impede development

people in armed conflict situations is re-

humankind ; it is also a clear example of

without climate change. It is clear that gov-

and impede the prospects and future of

quired. Strategies that combine peace ed-

an area where the needs of today’s youth

ernments can not hope to meet develop-

young people.

ucation, solidarity and respect for human

and future generations are being compro-

ment targets without also addressing climate change.

rights based on formal and non-formal

mised by older and previous generations’

Armed conflicts have a significant effect

education, with programmes to empower

lifestyles. Young people have the right to a

on youth development with direct and in-

young people to fulfil their potential and

sustainable future, as do people in develop-

Despite this the ambitious and fair global

direct consequences for young people who

act as development have been identified

ing countries, who, as highlighted by the

climate change deal needed at the Climate

are among the main victims of violence,

as the most effective to allow peace and

2006 Stern Review, suffer the most from

Change Conference in Copenhagen in

not only by being caught in the crossfire

development. Such strategies should also

climate change.18

December 2009 in order to prevent dan-

but also by being recruited into armed

include support measures to involve youth

forces, internally displaced and turned into

organisations in conflict prevention, peace-

Indeed the impacts of climate change have

Despite all the evidence and after two

refugees.

building and post-conflict processes.

already proven to be disastrous for the

weeks of exhaustive talks, world leaders

world’s most vulnerable people with the

failed to deliver a legally binding commit-

gerous climate change was not adopted.

Poverty often acts as the drive behind con-

Working towards preventing armed con-

potential to become much more severe in

ment to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

flicts and violence. The absence or inade-

flicts and ensuring access to healthcare,

the future. Accelerated dangerous climate

Climate change was merely recognised by

quacy of housing, health care and nutrition

education, employment and participation

change in the future would hit agricultural

governments at a time when millions are

and the lack of education, employment

in decision-making in society is an impor-

incomes severely, health problems would

already suffering from its effects.

and participation opportunities are factors

tant part of both the promotion of peace

arise as a consequence of heat stress,

of conflicts and involvement of young peo-

and youth development.

flooding, malnutrition and water borne dis-

As young people make up a larger share

ple in such events. The adverse impact of

eases, millions of people would be forced

of the population in developing countries

armed conflicts on health, education, em-

to migrate and the stress on natural re-

the importance of this issue for youth is

ployment and participation of young peo-

sources could spur conflict and violence.

clear, it is also natural that youth take an

ple in society is also evident, preventing

An estimated 250-550 million additional

active role in advocating for measures to

their development.

people could suffer from hunger mostly in

reduce green-house gas emissions, both in

African and Western Asia ; India and South

Europe and globally.19 The focus of young

18. Stern, N., 2006 The Economics of Climate Change. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press 19. YFJ ,2008. European youth fighting against Climate Change [online] Brussels. Available at www.youthforum.org/images/stories/Documents/Employment_and_Social_Affairs/0438-08_Climate_FINAL.pdf> [Accessed 4 September 2010]



3.5 PEACE AND CONFLICT PREVENTION

52

53

climate change activists will now turn to the

Aside from international climate change

Cancún negotiations in 2010 in Mexico and

negotiations, natural resources in general

the Johannesburg negotiations in 2011 to

should be managed in a more sustainable

ensure that the fair, adequate and legally

way. It is a crucial development issue as

binding climate agreement that was ex-

industrialised countries’ exploitation and

pected in Copenhagen in 2009 is adopted

consumption of resources of developing

Thematic Study Sessions on Water, Nutrition, Mobility, Energy,

internationally and that additional financial

countries strongly hinder their develop-

Non-formal education and Responsibility for the Creations of God

resources to address climate change are al-

ment. This is evident in forestry, fishery

located to developing countries. Youth or-

and minerals extraction. The involvement

ganisations and the dynamism and creativ-

of local communities and youth is crucial

ity that young people bring to the climate

for a sustainable conservation of biodiver-

Over the past three years FIMCAP has been

The

focusing on the MDGs, particularly goal

Energy,

and

change debate are vital in order to make

sity. There also needs to be a rights-based

two to achieve universal primary educa-

Responsibility for the Creations of God vis-

this a reality. They also play a vital role in

approach to natural resources and the envi-

tion, goal three to promote gender equality

à-vis Climate change were tackled in differ-

combating climate change through aware-

ronment, particularly clean drinking water.

and empower women and goal six to com-

ent workshops, in which the participants

ness-raising, particularly on sustainable

bat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

of the General Assembly connected these

consumption. Young people, like national

Twenty two FIMCAP Member Organisations

topics to the dimensions of national, con-

governments and international institutions,

from four different continents met in

tinental and worldwide organisational work

also have environmental responsibilities

Munich between 14 and 22 August 2010

as well as local day-to-day life. FIMCAP or-

and many youth organisations have also

for a General Assembly with a special focus

ganisations shall continue to focus on the

committed to reducing their emissions

on Climate Change. Through the General

issues of climate change during the next

and to developing environmentally friendly

Assembly’s

various

three years (2010 – 2013) and shall de-

policies.

youth organisations committed themselves

velop projects accordingly. The action plan

to promote the issue of sustainable devel-

developed at the General Assembly com-

opment. FIMCAP’s Member Organisations

prises various ideas and plans for all levels

want to educate young people so that they

from worldwide to local.

mission

statement

can influence society and take action in their local communities in accordance to the realities in which they live. This comes after facilitating a process where young people become aware of the impact and the importance of sustainable development and assume their role as effective agents in the necessary course of action.

topics

Water,

Nutrition,

Non-Formal

Mobility,

Education



International Federation of Catholic Parochial Youth Movements (FIMCAP)

54

55

National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) Zambia- Ireland Exchange

Migration is a global phenomenon en-

for instance only 1% of Africans move to

NYCI runs an exchange programme for

The exchange is run in association 80 :20

trenched in the unequal distribution of

Europe. As statistics clearly indicate, there

youth workers from Zambia and Ireland.

Educating and Acting for a Better World

wealth and the existing discrepancies in

is a direct correlation between emigration

Since starting in 2005, 52 youth work-

who engage in development education in

the levels of development among differ-

rates and levels of human development.

ers have participated. The aim of the ex-

Zambia. Pre-departure and follow-up meet-

change is to share good youth work prac-

ings are organised for participants and

ent areas of the world. If migration flows take also place from the South to the North

Around 7% of international migrants are

tice ; highlight key development and justice

organisations are encouraged to directly

of the world, it is important to underline

refugees, numbering 14 million in total. A

issues for young people in both countries

contact one another. The main communi-

that internal migrants (740 million) out-

minority of 500,000 move to a developed

and promote linking between youth work

cation tools used by the organisations and

number international migrants (200 mil-

country with the aim of seeking asylum.

structures in Ireland and Zambia. The ex-

the individual participants are email and

lion) and that the majority of migrants do

The figures relating to internally displaced

change happens each November, coincid-

Facebook.

not move necessarily from a developing to

people are much higher, estimated at 26

ing with the annual One World Week (OWW)

a developed country. Indeed, the majority

million in 2009. International human rights

in Ireland. Both the exchange and OWW are

of international migrants move from one

law requires governments to guarantee

informed by the MDGs, particularly Goal 8

developing country to another or between

fundamental rights to refugees including

which calls for a global partnership for de-

developed countries, while a minority (70

freedom from discrimination and right to

velopment, and by a recognition that young

million) move from a developing country to

not to be returned (non-refoulement) to a

people are essential actors for change lo-

a developed one.20

country where they might be persecuted.

cally and globally. In both countries, young

Contrary to the claims often made by some

people have the opportunity to interact

Nevertheless, the link between migration

policy makers, the number of asylum seek-

with the visiting youth workers and high-

and inequality is an important one as more

ers in developed countries overall remains

light similarities and differences between

than three quarter of international mi-

quite stable; in the EU it has increased only

their experiences.

grants move to a country where the human

by 3% from 2008 to 2009.

development index is higher than the country of origin. If migration is caused by violations of rights, conflicts, poverty and climate change, the poorest experience more difficulties to move and indeed move less ; 20. United Nations Development Programme, 2010. Human Development Report 2010 [online] New York. Available at http ://hdr.undp.org/en/mediacentre/ [Accessed 2 October 2010] 21. United Nations Development Programme, 2009. Human Development Report 2009 [online] New York. Available at http ://hdr.undp.org/en/media/hdr_2009_EN_Summary.pdf [Accessed 2 October 2010]

21



3.7 MIGRATION

56

57

Young people constitute a considerable

shortage of skills on the European market.

share of international migrants ; youth un-

On the other hand, the youth perspective

der the age of 29 represents indeed half of

within migration and development poli-

the global migrant flows. If young people

cies should be strengthened.

can benefit from specific gains from migrat-

the freedom of movement of young peo-

ing, they also experience many challenges.

ple should be removed in order to provide

Educational gains are clearly associated to

them with further opportunities in the field

young migrants moving from developing to

of education and employment. 25

24

Barriers to

CONCLUSIONS : FROM WORDS TO ACTION !

of enrolment ratios.22 However, young mi-

Cooperation between countries of

grants in Europe are at the same time more

gin and receiving countries is key to en-

oriThis short booklet attempts to bridge youth

// Youth and the concept of develop-

likely to leave school earlier than their na-

sure that youth migration does not result

policy-making with the experiences of mil-

ment : Development Needs Youth ! This

tive peers, to perform worse and to be dis-

in brain drain in the countries of origin.

lions of young people serving their local,

seems acknowledged by most government

criminated against on the ground of their

Channels for regular migration should be

national and global communities through

and institutions, at least in their official

ethnic origin or religion. If some channels

provided in order to tackle irregular mi-

their participation in youth organisations.

discourse, but what kind of development

for ensuring regular migration of students

gration and the exposure of irregular mi-

However, this is only a first step to strength-

does youth need ? The debate is very open

from third countries to Europe exist, low

grants to violation of fundamental rights,

en the reflection and the action around

and controversial on that point. Some re-

skilled young migrants and youth migrat-

including for instance the risk, particularly

the issue of youth and sustainable devel-

searchers propose that the current fashion

ing for other purposes than education ex-

higher for minors, women and girls to be

opment. In conclusion, there are at least

of targeting young people in development

perience extremely severe barriers to move.

trafficked. Agreements between receiving

three challenges which should be tackled

policies could be just a vehicle for quiet-

countries and countries of origin to coun-

and for which decision-makers, research

ing ideological challenges and building

The positive aspects linked to migration

teract irregular migration should not be

community and youth organisations each

consensus over policies which see young

also have to be acknowledged. As research

based on repression but rather be inspired

have different roles to play :

people as policy-consumers and not policy-

and international institutions have under-

by prevention and information sharing.

lined, migration is linked with positive im-

makers. In this regard it will be a necessary step to open this conceptual discussion to

pact both on countries of origin and on

As the UNDP suggests in its Annual Report

the various actors involved : the institu-

receiving countries. Remittances have for

on Human Development 2009, overcoming

tions, the research community and youth

instance a positive effect on countries of

barriers to migration is necessary as mi-

organisations.

origin and movement of people could also

gration “ while not a substitute for broader

succeed in bringing new ideas back to the

development efforts, can be a vital strat-

countries of origin.23 Migration has also a

egy for households and families seeking to

positive impact on the demographic chal-

diversify and improve their livelihoods ”. 26

lenges faced by Europe today and to the

22. United Nations Development Programme, 2010. Human Development Report 2010 [online] New York. Available at http ://hdr.undp.org/en/mediacentre/ [Accessed 2 October 2010] 23. United Nations Development Programme, 2010. Human Development Report 2010 [online] New York. Available at http ://hdr.undp.org/en/mediacentre/ [Accessed 2 October 2010] 24. Social Watch Network, 2009. Migrants in Europe as Development Actors [online] Montevideo. Available at http ://oneworldsee.org/node/19589 [Accessed 8 September 2010] 25. YFJ (2008), Policy Paper Youth & Migration [online] Brussels. Available at www.youthforum.org/en/system/files/yfj_public/strategic_priorities/en/1069-07_Migration_Final_pdf. [Accessed 7 September 2010] 26. United Nations Development Programme, 2009. Human Development Report 2009 [online] New York. Available at http ://hdr.undp.org/en/media/hdr_2009_EN_Summary.pdf [Accessed 2 October 2010]

Conclusions : From words to action !


developed countries, especially in terms

58

59

List of Acronyms ACP – African Caribbean and the Pacific AEGEE – Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe/ European Students’ Forum CNJ – Portuguese National Youth Council COMEM – Council of Members DAC – Development Assistance Committee DBYN – Don Bosco Youth Network // Democratic Participation is key :

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

The value of the commitment of young

since more than half of the world popula-

FIMCAP – International Federation of Catholic Parochial Youth Movements

people involved in youth organisations is

tion is less than thirty years old, global and

GCAP – Global Call for Action Against Poverty

hardly measurable with facts and figures,

regional institutions should take this fact

GCCC – Global Cooperation Coordination Committee

because it is not merely based on project

into consideration. Youth organisations

GDP – Gross Domestic Product

outcomes but is the result of life-long pro-

provide the right channel to take an active

GNI – Gross National Income

cesses which can be fully assessed only

role in the community and to make young

HIV/AIDS – Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

in the long term. Nevertheless, non-gov-

people real agents of change. This is the

ICESCR – International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights

ernmental youth organisations and devel-

greatest contribution of youth NGOs to de-

ICMYO – International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organisations

opment institutions should join forces to

velopment and it deserves appropriate and

IFMSA – International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations

create concrete tools to monitor and eval-

specific recognition.

IFM-SEI – International Falcon Movement – Socialist Education International

uate the impact of youth participation in

ILO – International Labour Organisation

development policies and the relevance of

INGYO – International Non Governmental Youth Organisation

the youth-led development projects. The

IOM – International Organization for Migration

Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth

IPCC – Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change

Empowerment for the period 2006-2015

LSU – Swedish National Youth Council

is a good example in this direction, be-

MDG – Millennium Development Goal

cause it foresees the setting up of a Youth

NYCI – National Youth Council of Ireland

Development Index to monitor the situation

OECD – Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

of young people. These indicators should

PRSPs – Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers

be complementary both to the Human

SCI – Service Civil International

Development Index and the MDG targets.

SAJV/CSAJ – Swiss National Youth Council STI – Sexual Transmitted Infection YFJ – European Youth Forum UNFPA – United Nations Population Fund UNDP – United Nations Development Programme UN ICESR – United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights WAGGGS – World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts WOSM – World Organisation of the Scout Movement WPAY – World Programme of Action for Youth

List of Acronyms

Conclusions : From words to action !

EYCE – Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe // Monitoring and Evaluation :

60

61

References European Youth Forum, 2007. Policy Paper on Achieving Equality Between Women & Men

Stern, N., 2006. The Economics of Climate Change. Cambridge, Cambridge University

[online] Brussels. Available at