Harnessing the imagination and initiative of the world’s youth in working to overcome worldwide problems is the aim of the United Nation’s International Year of Youth.

Photo: UN

The United Nations is calling on governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities to mark the International Year of Youth this year. Under the theme “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding,” the goal of the Year is to encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and promote the ideals of peace and respect for human rights. A special focus will be involving young people more in working towards the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which seek to slash extreme poverty, hunger and a lack of access to education and health care by 2015.

Several international events are already scheduled throughout the year, including the Fifth World Youth Congress in July and August in Istanbul, and the World Conference for Youth in Mexico City in August. Both gatherings will focus on youth and sustainable development in the context of the Millennium Development Goals.

The inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, also in August, will be another highlight of the International Year of Youth.