GCC Represented at UN Global Youth Forum in Bali

Supporting GCC Youth at the Global Conference

Six hundred youth leaders, representatives of governments, UN agencies, non-governmental and private sector organisations will convene in Bali from 4-6 December 2012 for the ICPD Global Youth Forum. 
Hosted by the Indonesian Government and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, the youth-led Forum will define the future UN agenda for the 43% of the world currently under the age of 25. The event is part of a formal UN process to review progress, gaps and challenges in achieving the objectives of the Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). The ICPD was a landmark event that made a fundamental connection between advancing the rights and health of young people, in particular young women and delivering effective, sustainable development.

Among them, 3 talented youths from Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were hand-picked from hundreds of applicants to attend this once in a life-time opportunity, and are supported by the UNFPA GCC Area Office in Muscat. With the continuing commitment to youth by the GCC Area Office, this is one of many youth delegations being sent to international conferences and trainings to ensure the development, participation and continuing nurturing of youth in the GCC.

In addition to those convened in Bali, recommendations will come from over 2000 virtual delegates from 126 countries, who have registered to participate and be heard using web and social media. Director of UNFPA Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, welcomes this innovative approach to engaging young people in shaping their future. 
"It is exactly this kind of dynamic approach that is needed if the UN is to unleash the potential of youth to tackle significant global challenges," Dr. Osotimehin emphasizes. "Forty-three per cent of the global population is currently under the age of twenty five. The potential and crucial need for this generation to make a positive and sustainable contribution to all of our futures is very clear. We have never been so well connected. With access to effective health services, good education and empowered to lead, this generation can provide the solutions to significant global challenges."

For more information on this exciting event follow the UNFPA GCC Area Office on Twitter for live updates on the delegation. @UNFPAGCC

About ICPD Beyond 2014
ICPD Beyond 2014 is a mandated review of the Programme of Action that was agreed by 174 member states who attended the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994. The ICPD review process will assess progress, gaps and new challenges in achieving the goals of the Programme of Action through process which engage all stakeholders including governments, civil society and youth. For more information about ICPD Beyond 2014 visit www.icpdbeyond2014.org , for information specifically related to the ICPD Global Youth Forum visitwww.unfpa.org.