12 August 2014
SIDS Youth Highlight Needs for Capacity Building, Quality Education and Employment
story highlights

In preparation for the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Apia, Samoa, a Google+ Hangout with UN and youth representatives took place on the theme, ‘Samoa 2014: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Islands.'

SIDS Conference logo24 July 2014: In preparation for the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Apia, Samoa, a Google+ Hangout with UN and youth representatives took place on the theme, ‘Samoa 2014: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Islands.’

Conference Secretary-General Wu Hongbo hosted the event, which invited youth representatives of the three SIDS regions – Pacific; Caribbean; and Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS) – to share their views and concerns. Youth participants highlighted needs for capacity building, quality education, employment and social protection. They also expressed concerns about promoting good governance, dealing with climate change impacts, and ensuring food, water and energy security.

Wu, who leads the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) as the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, anticipated that youth voices will provide critical input to the Samoa conference and to subsequent work on the post-2015 development agenda. He said that many of the concerns expressed are addressed in the Conference outcome document, which has already been negotiated, and will also feature in the post-2015 development agenda.

An online ‘SIDSTERS Youth Forum Campaign’ has been launched to highlight youth concerns in the lead-up to a Youth Forum to be organized in Apia on 28 August, prior to the SIDS conference. [DESA Press Release] [Google+ Hangout] [SIDS Pre-Conference Youth Forum]


related events