Empowering the Future: Making the Social Rights of Youth Real

The main organiser and sponsor of the side event is the Council of Europe. The event is co-sponsored by Andorra, Lithuania, Mexico, the Kingdom of Morrocco, in partnership with the International Labour Office, the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency and the European Youth Forum.

  Friday, 20 September 2024, 16:45-18:00 EST (22:45-00:00 CET )
         United Nations Headquarters, Room CR2, New York - Language: English only         

 Programme

 Flyer 

 Livestream link

  Video produced by the UN highlighting key moments from the Action Days

Young people have played a vital role in shaping the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, recognised as "critical agents of change." With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in progress, youth participation is essential. However, many still face barriers to accessing their rights.

With over 1.2 billion individuals aged 15-24, the global youth population is at a peak. The global cost of living, pandemic, and climate crises severely impact their social rights, affecting both present and future lives.

The 4th Summit of the Council of Europe and the UN's Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 3 emphasize the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes. As youth demand more just and equitable solutions, addressing challenges in terms of their social rights like unemployment, inadequate education, housing, and social exclusion is increasingly urgent.

Despite international frameworks, significant gaps in realising these rights persist. Strengthening and implementing mechanisms to ensure youth social are given effect to, is crucial. This 75-minute event will bring together key stakeholders to explore ways to make youth social rights a reality.