Bangkok--17 Aug--UNISBKK
Roundtable discussion 18 August 9:30 — 11:30 UN Conference Center Bangkok
The International Year of Youth will be launched on Wednesday, 18 August with a roundtable dialogue between youth representatives and heads of UN agencies and government officials from across the region in the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok.
The discussion — held from 9:30-11:30 am — will address issues in the areas of education, gender, environment, sexual and reproductive health, and employment, and presents an opportunity for learning and partnership in inclusive development. Mr. James Chau, National UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for China and CCTV News and World Wide Watch presenter will act as moderator.
Today’s youth — defined by the UN as those from 15 to 24 — represent 18 per cent of the global population or 1.2 billion people with 700 million in the Asia-Pacific region. They face diverse challenges, from access to education, healthcare, employment and resources, but they also represent great potential. This is particularly true in developing countries.
The International Year of Youth was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2009. Under the theme “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding”, the Year aims to promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity across generations, cultures, religions and civilizations. The Year coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first International Year of Youth.
For media enquiries please contact:
Mika Mansukhani
Associate Social Affairs Officer
Social Development Division
United Nations ESCAP
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel: (+66) 2 288-2187
Fax: (+66) 2 288-1030
Email:
[email protected]