Investing in Youth:Population, Health and Social

Challenges

UNFPA Mexico

October 2004

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MDG’s and investment in youth:main linkages

GOAL YOUTH CONCERNS

Nr. 1: Erradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Strengthen youth capacities (education, health, training)

Nr. 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

Reduce inequalities between young men and women

Nr. 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs among youth

Nr. 8: Develop global partnership for development

Create more development opportunities for youth

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MAJOR CHALLENGES IN POPULATION AND SEXUAL HEALTH PROGRAMMES FOR

YOUTH

• Take full advantage of the demographic transition and the “opportunity window” associated to changes in population structure

• Strengthen actions to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and STIs among youth

• Ensure full access of young people to information and services on sexual and reproductive health

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PERIODS OF MAXIMUM “DEMOGRAPHIC WINDOW OR

BONUS”

Region or Country CategoryPeriod when Dependency

Ratio reaches its minimum

Less developed countries (excluding least developed ones)

2015 – 2025

Least developed countries After 2050

Latin America and the Caribbean

2020 – 2030

Asia 2015 – 2025

Africa After 2050

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HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

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GLOBAL ACTIONS AGAINSTHIV/AIDS EPIDEMICS

• Creation of the UN Joint Programme against HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 1996:– Advocacy and programme support worldwide– World monitoring on HIV/AIDS trends and policies– Partnership promotion and resource mobilization– Inter-agency coordination

• Resolution of UN General Assembly on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS), June 2001.– Goal for 2010: reduce HIV prevalence among youth in

25%– Promote national, regional and global strategies with

full commitment from governments and civil society

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PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH AND INSTITUTIONAL ACTIONS

• Working with political and community leaders, to increase public awareness of specific needs and rights of youth regarding sexual and reproductive health, prevention of HIV/AIDS, education and employment.

• Involving young people in the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes focused on their needs.

• Systematize and disseminate innovative experiences among countries, institutions and civil society organizations.