Post-2015: Say Yes to Youth Goal

There are over 1.8 billion young people in the world, many of whom endure pervasive inequality and inadequate social, political and economic opportunities.

As global policymakers look to agree a set of sustainable development targets to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Commonwealth is calling for the adoption of a Youth Goal.

A Youth Goal would ensure the economic, social and political empowerment and participation of young people and help this generation contribute to all aspects of national development, as active participants, champions and custodians.

Statistics

• 1.8 billion people are aged 10-24 - a quarter of the world's population
• 87% of young people aged 15-24 live in a developing context
• 13% of 15-24 year-olds are unemployed, next to 4.6% for all adults
• 2.6 million young people aged 10-24 die each year; mostly preventable deaths

Get involved

Join the campaign for a Youth Goal.

• Support our Thunderclap to urge policymakers to back the Youth Goal.
• Show your support on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #Yes2YouthGoal.
• Create a Twibbon for your Twitter profile.

The debate

At the World Conference on Youth on 8 May 2014, Katherine Ellis, Youth Director of The Commonwealth, discussed the issue with Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA Representative and a host of other panellists.

People sent in their questions for the panellists using #Yes2YouthGoal.

Visit the event page.

Learn more

• The Post 2015 Development Agenda – Learn about the process for choosing a successor to the Millennium Development Goals. 
• Visit the Youth Development Index for indicators on youth development both globally and across the Commonwealth. 

Commonwealth support

• In April 2013, Commonwealth youth ministers called for “a specific goal on youth empowerment and participation”. 
• In July 2013, Commonwealth youth leaders called for a Youth Goal to “serve as cornerstone” for development.
• In November 2013, Commonwealth Heads of Government issued the Magampura Commitment to Young People, acknowledging the call for a specific, stand-alone goal on youth empowerment and participation, plus youth-specific indicators on all relevant goals.