World Scouting welcomes the creation of UN Youth Office

2 minutes
Scouts pose outside the UN headquarters in New York

A new United Nations (UN) Youth Office, announced on 8 September following the passing of a UN General Assembly Resolution, will integrate and expand on the work of the Envoys of the Secretary-General on Youth and advance engagement and advocacy for youth development across the UN’s focus areas of peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. 

This resolution marks a milestone for youth development, reaffirming the importance of youth development and youth engagement throughout the UN and its different programmes, funds, and agencies. 

The establishment of a UN Youth Office will ensure that youth issues are well addressed at the UN and that efforts to advance youth development are well-funded. The resolution sends a message to institutions worldwide that youth issues should be recognised and prioritised. 

The new office will also promote the meaningful engagement of youth-led and youth-focused organisations in the work of the UN. 

World Scouting welcomes the establishment of the new UN Youth Office and looks forward to working with its leadership to continue to elevate the voices of young people at the UN through meaningful and effective participation.