UN aims to strengthen investment in young people

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MANILA — Marking the celebration of the World Population Day, the United Nations urged more investment in young people, now 1.8 billion, the largest youth generation in history.

“I call on all with influence to prioritize youth in development plans, strengthen partnerships with youth-led organizations, and involve young people in all decisions that affect them,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

The UN chief stressed out the need to take actions and help the youth or those under 25 years of age  which comprises nearly half of the world’s population.

“Action is urgently needed,” he said.

Acccording to Ban, of the total number of employed youth, half of them are “stuck in low-wage, dead-end jobs.”

He also added that more youth today are denied not just decent jobs, but also the right to a quality education and the chance to participate in the political life of their societies.

This year’s World Population Day is focused on giving attention to the need to find solution for development issues, plans and programs.

“By empowering today’s youth, we will lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for generations to come.” he added.