There are more than 1.8 billion young people on the planet – the largest population in history. They represent a tremendous outlet of ideas and inspiration, a source of leadership and creativity, and a powerful engine for driving sustainable development forward.
Young people are disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion, and their ability to participate in development processes is limited. In response, the UN Youth Volunteers Programme aims to contribute to the development of young people, empowering them to come up with solutions to the most pressing challenges of our day and equipping them with the skills and knowledge, as volunteers, to put their ideas into action.