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Saturday 15 August 2015

Secretary-General’s Message on the International Day of Youth



Emerging threats, violent extremism, shifting political conditions, economic turmoil and social transformations are combining to heighten the challenges facing the world’s young people. No one knows better than them the issues at stake or the best way to respond. That is why I am calling on young people to speak out and I am urging leaders to listen.
As the world changes with unprecedented speed, young people are proving to be invaluable partners who can advance meaningful solutions. Youth movements and student groups are challenging traditional power structures and advocating a new social contract between States and societies. Young leaders have contributed fresh ideas, taken proactive measures and mobilized through social media as never before.
I applaud the millions of young people who are protesting for rights and participation, addressing staggering levels of youth unemployment, raising their voices against injustice and advocating global action for people and the planet.
In this landmark year, as leaders prepare to adopt a bold new vision for sustainable development, the engagement of youth is more valuable than ever. At this critical moment in history, I call on young people to demand and foster the dramatic progress so urgently needed in our world.
Volunteerism is an ideal way to improve society and it is open to virtually everyone. Youth can also join forces with the United Nations as we move from forging the new sustainable development goals to implementing them. That spirit of action is embodied in the theme of this International Day: “Youth and Civic Engagement”. I stand with the world’s young people in calling for measures to secure human rights, economic progress, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.
This year marks the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations Charter and the twentieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. In support of their aims, my Youth Envoy is helping to mobilize this largest generation of young people in history. As he says, youth engagement can help turn the world we want into the world we deserve. Let us all support young people in creating a future where our planet is protected and all people live in dignity.


Source: http://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2015/08/secretary-generals-message-on-the-international-day-of-youth/

Friday 14 August 2015

Nigerian Youth Declaration Presented to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 2015 International Youth Day



PREAMBLE
Nigeria’s greatest asset lies in its huge productive workforce dominated by young people between the ages of 18 - 35. While young people are confronted with different development challenges that jeopardize the realization of sustainable development, the inherent youth bulge presents an opportunity to harness energy, resilience, innovation and creativity characteristic of youth and required to spur inclusive economic growth and democratic development.
The outcome of the 2015 general elections signifies a major leap in our democratic expedition and young people were at the forefront of the political mobilization and socialization that led to voter turnout and peace outcomes of the 2015 elections.
As a country regaining its relevance and prominence in the comity of nations following a democratic transition and institutionalization of a legitimate government, we are presented with an opportunity to harness our human and natural resources for economic growth and development. The new paradigm and enthusiasm of youth to play active roles in democratic governance presents a unique opportunity for the government to engage youth in enhancing development and livelihood of youth. The commitment of this administration to enhancing public accountability gives youth hope that once again we can build a country underpinned by the principles of equity, fairness, justice and rule of law.
METHODOLOGY
A three-pronged approach was adopted in developing the youth declaration. A desk review was conducted using statements, communiqués and resolutions of several conferences and roundtables hosted by youth organizations in Nigeria. Online reviews of policy documents on youth development were conducted. With the support of the International Republican Institute (IRI), the Federal Ministry of Youth Development partnered with civil society organizations like the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA), Youngstars Foundation and Mind the Gap Foundation to host a one day Pre-Summit Youth Consultation on August 11, 2015 in Abuja. The program brought over 130 youth leaders from youth organizations, political parties, religious and traditional institutions and development partners to deliberate on youth issues with a view to developing a youth agenda for the new administration.
PRIORITY YOUTH ISSUES
The following issues represent the priority aspects of youth development requiring government’s policy and programmatic intervention;
    I.Youth Unemployment
Unemployment remains a major challenge confronting young people in Nigeria. This exposes youths to all forms of vices like political thuggery, violence and criminality. The high rate of unemployment poses a development challenge that requires urgent attention. Several factors account for the increasing level of youth unemployment in Nigeria. They include; poor incentives for business startups, harsh business climate and poor infrastructure, limited vocational and entrepreneurship skills, lack of sustainability of government programs on youth unemployment, corruption and poor management of recruitment exercises etc. Following the rebasing of the country’s economy, Nigeria occupies the prime position of Africa’s largest economy. Ironically, 69% of our population live in abject poverty (NBS 2010)
To this end, we recommend as follows;
  1. Diversify and Invest in viable sectors for increased youth employment in the informal sector like, agricultural, ICT, Education, Tourism and entertainment, Mining and Solid Minerals Sectors. According to the NBS 1st Quarter 2015 job creation survey report, the informal sector remains the sector with the highest number jobs created.
  2. Review and update the National Youth Employability plan to provide incentives and  seed funds for business startups and incubators. Access;
  3. Improve social infrastructure like power and energy to reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria. This will enhance industrialization, which has  potentials to create more jobs for the youths;
  4. Provide social safety nets for unemployed youths. Such safety nets should instill the values of entrepreneurship and productivity in youths. This initiative  will develop the skill set and experience required for functional employment:
  5. Adopt  an effective public private partnership model to promote investments,      innovation and incentives in the youth development sector. This may involve facilitating the creation and funding of youth business and hubs  across the country.
  6. Create      a youth development database and platforms to ensure direct access to  information and resources on investment opportunities, national policies and youth empowerment programs
II. Youth Participation in decision-making
The participation of citizens in governance and democratic processes is an indicator of a country’s democratic development. It is therefore important that government at all levels must ensure inclusion in decision-making and governance. Youth marginalization deprives society the opportunity of harnessing the potentials of young people for political advancement and economic growth.
The National Youth Policy guarantees the right to participate in politics and reinforces the basic rights as enshrined in the constitution, and also itemizes the responsibilities expected of young people, which include patriotism and the protection of public property, among others. There is also a section on the obligations of government, which guarantee youth participation and inclusion in governance and gender equality. The right to participate in decision-making is also highlighted in the UN Declaration on the Right to Development, which provides that participation must be accessible, active, free and meaningful.
In enhancing youth participation, we recommend as follows;
  1. Establishment of a Presidential Youth Forum as a policy and advisory think-tank on youth development. The Presidential Youth Forum will serve as a strategic platform for mainstreaming youth in governance and deepening intergenerational dialogue and political mentorship,
  2. Young men and women between the stipulated youth age bracket of 18 – 35 should occupy all youth portfolios like Minister of Youth, Commissioners of Youth and Special Adviser on Youth and Students. Such appointees should be competent persons with proven integrity and impeccable character;
  3. In furtherance of the National Youth Policy, 2009 and the African Youth Charter, ensure adequate youth representation on boards, technical committees of MDAs and Commissions and government delegation to international meetings on youth. This will avail youths the opportunity to actively contribute to policy formulation and implementation. In considering the appointment of youth, gender and disability should be considered.
  4. Through an Act of parliament, establish and institutionalize an independent youth platform that will serve as a representative organization and voice for all Nigerian youths. The structure, leadership, and funding of the umbrella organization should be established by legislation.
III. Reform of Youth Development Programs
Over the last decade, Nigeria introduced numerous youth development programs aimed empowering young people with requisite skills and knowledge for active citizenship and sustainable livelihoods. These programs have recorded tremendous success. However, they’ve been plagued by some challenges ranging from poor funding, low public awareness, poor monitoring and evaluation and corruption.
To this end, recommend as follows;
  1. Strengthen the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to ensure coordination of all youth development programs. This will streamline impact, enhance monitoring and evaluation and prevent against duplication of youth programs;
  2. Retention of youth development programs with evidence based results and impact. For example; the National Youth Service Corps should be retained. However, the program curriculum should be reviewed in line with emerging trends of national service and leadership. Furthermore, the monthly allowance of NYSC corps should be increased in line with present economic realities.
  3. Urgent review of the National Youth Policy, 2009 in line with present day challenges and realities as underscored by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Such a review should be conducted in partnership with youth;
  4. The National Youth Development Centers should be redesigned to adopt a public-private partnership model where the private sector is mainstreamed in establishing and operating the centers nationwide;
IV. Financing Youth Development
1.   In line with the National Youth Policy, establish a National Youth Development Fund by legislation. The fund will be serviced and operated by a public-private partnership board. The mandate of the fund will encompass priority aspects of youth development. The fund if established will complement the statutory appropriation for youth development;
2.  Increased budgetary appropriation for youth development projects. Presently, 70 – 80% of the youth ministry budget is earmarked for the NYSC program, which covers less than 10% of the entire youth population.
3. The Federal government should leverage on the Bond Market by establishing a bond market fund where the proceeds are used to fund youth initiatives. In addition, government should provide tax rebate to private sector investing in youth development;
4. Strengthen the National Planning Commission to promote performance-based policies for youth development. In the same vein, the FG should introduce a National saving scheme with incentives for parents to save for their Children’s future investment activities.
V. Security and Accountability
The 1999 constitution (as amended) states in Section 14 (1) that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice. It also stipulates in Section 14 (2) (b) that that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Against this backdrop, it is a mandate of the Nigerian State to promote social justice, equality and protect lives and properties of Nigerians.
Insecurity and violence pervade the polity especially in the northeastern states of Adamawa, Bornu and Yobe states. These states also have high records of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are a subject of humanitarian concern. Lack of public accountability, poverty, ethnic and religious chauvinism, unemployment and youth marginalization are central to the growing insurgency and violence. However, opportunities exist in the areas of peace education, civic education, skills training and long term constitutional amendment processes to improve accountability and security.
To this end, we make the following recommendations;
  1. Government   should fast-track the implementation of mechanisms for the integration of members of the civilian joint task force and repentant boko haram members in the North- east and provide trauma counselling for members of communities affected by violence in the North – East.
  1. Government  should ensure the Safe School Initiative in Nigeria is implemented to the latter. The Federal Government should collaborate with youth organizations to monitor the implementation of the initiative at the state level. School curricular should be reviewed to include teachings on security and  accountability
  1. There is need for government to consolidate citizens’ biometric data in a national identification system that will be assessable to relevant government institutions;
  1. Government should commit to openness and transparency in all its processes at all levels of  government;
  1. The presentation of Whistle blower bill to the National Assembly for passage so young whistle blowers can be adequately protected and rewarded;
  1. Ensure conclusive prosecution of corruption cases to reduce the level of impunity and corruption;
OUR COMMITMENT / PLEDGE AS YOUTH
I.                        Defend our constitutional democracy, respect the rule of law and perform our civic duties as enshrined the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
II.                        Support all government’s efforts aimed at enhancing fiscal governance, accountability and transparency in the public and private sector;
III.                        Commit our energy, creativity, resilience and demography for national growth and development;
IV.                        Remain active citizens through effective engagement with public institutions and government;
V.                        Build platforms at all levels that promotes civic education, national unity and peaceful co-existence through community mobilization and outreach;
VI.                        Hold all representatives of youth in governance accountable to the principles of equitable representation, integrity and rule of law;Bottom of Form


Source: http://www.yiaga.org/en/36-programmes/youth/251-nigerian-youth-declaration-presented-to-the-president-of-the-federal-republic-of-nigeria-president-muhammad-buhari-on-the.html

Thursday 13 August 2015

APPLY for United Nations Young Professionals Programme


The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative for talented, highly qualified professionals to start a career as an international civil servant with the United Nations Secretariat. It consists of an entrance examination and professional development programmes once successful candidates start their career with the UN.

WORTH
  • A chance for placement on the roaster of qualified candidates who can be selected for available positions appointment at the UN Secretariat
ELIGIBILITY
  • You must have the nationality of a participating country.
  • You must hold at least a first-level university degree relevant for the exam area you are applying for.
  • You must be 32 or younger by the end of the examination.
  • You must be fluent in either English or French.
DEADLINE: August 23, 2015
To apply and for more information visit here

Source: YouthHub Africa

APPLY FOR 9TH UNESCO YOUTH FORUM

The 9th UNESCO Youth Forum – Young Global Citizens for a Sustainable Planet – will take place in Paris, France on the 26th to the 28th October 2015. The forum will bring together over 500 young women and men from all over the world to focus on issues related to sustainable development and global citizenship and ensure that the voices of future generations remain front and centre of the new development agenda.
Discussions at this years forum will focus on how young people, committing themselves as global citizens, can contribute to the creation of a sustainable planet.  
Check out the application criteria here for the English version and here for the French one. Click here to apply in English and here to apply in French.           

Tuesday 11 August 2015

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION

NEW CENTURY INITIATIVE invites you to YOUTH DAY celebration organized along with Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Ogui Road Enugu.
Date: 12th August, 2015.
Time: 9am
Please join us, invite others.

Monday 10 August 2015

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A THREE DAYS NATIONAL YOUTH REFORM CONFERENCE HELD AT THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA. BETWEEN 25TH- 27TH JULY, 2015

Preamble
The National Youth Reform Conference is a platform organised by coalition of various progressive youth organizations in Nigeria, (National Youth Reform Group) with participants drawn from organisation in the 36 states of the Federation and FCT. About 500 Youths participated and engaged in thorough deliberations and debates on the numerous challenges confronting the Nigerian Youth, as well as proffer solutions to them in a bid to reposition Nigerian Youth towards a progressive and prosperous Nation.
The Group felt the need for consolidation, unity and stability among Youth organisations and also to redirect our focus towards creativity and innovation.
Observations:
 Youth are not assigned as Ministers, Commissioners, DGs, SAs to the Youth-related portfolios
 Low level of Youth participation in governance
 High rate of Youth unemployment across the Nation.
 Lack of effective laws and policies to promote the growth of the Nigerian Youth.
 Low standard of education system.
 Absence of core ethical values to promote cultural and National unity amongst the Youth.
 Absence and Neglect of the Youth development centres across the six (6) geographical zones of Nigeria.
Recommendations:
After a three (3) days deliberation and exchange of ideas, the following recommendations were made to the Government:
1. The appointment of Youth between 25 to 35 years as Youth Minister, Commissioners, DGs, SAs to Youth related portfolios should be made at all the level Government.
2. Enhance Youth participation in governance and leadership trainings for political offices.
3. Policies on youth employment and entrepreneurship should be reviewed and implemented.
4. The National Youth Policy should be a major priority of the Government at all levels and more awareness should be created for Youth organizations Nationwide.
5. Increase budgetary allocation on education to 26% in line with United Nations affirmative action plan for Education sector at all level of Government (Federal, State and Local Government Areas) in Nigeria.