1. Investing in Youth: Population, Health and Social Challenges UNFPA Mexico October 2004

2. 2 MDG’s and investment in youth: main linkages GOALYOUTH CONCERNS Nr. 1: Erradicate extreme poverty and hunger Strengthen youth capacities (education, health, training) Nr. 3: Promote gender equality and empower women Reduce inequalities between young men and women Nr. 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs among youth Nr. 8: Develop global partnership for development Create more development opportunities for youth

3. 3 MAJOR CHALLENGES IN POPULATION AND SEXUAL HEALTH PROGRAMMES FOR YOUTH Take full advantage of the demographic transition and the “opportunity window” associated to changes in population structure Strengthen actions to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and STIs among youth Ensure full access of young people to information and services on sexual and reproductive health

4. 4 PERIODS OF MAXIMUM “DEMOGRAPHIC WINDOW OR BONUS” Region or Country Category Period when Dependency Ratio reaches its minimum Less developed countries (excluding least developed ones) 2015 – 2025 Least developed countriesAfter 2050 Latin America and the Caribbean2020 – 2030 Asia2015 – 2025 AfricaAfter 2050

5. 5 HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

6. 6 GLOBAL ACTIONS AGAINST HIV/AIDS EPIDEMICS Creation of the UN Joint Programme against HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 1996: –Advocacy and programme support worldwide –World monitoring on HIV/AIDS trends and policies –Partnership promotion and resource mobilization –Inter-agency coordination Resolution of UN General Assembly on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS), June 2001. –Goal for 2010: reduce HIV prevalence among youth in 25% –Promote national, regional and global strategies with full commitment from governments and civil society

7. 7 PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH AND INSTITUTIONAL ACTIONS Working with political and community leaders, to increase public awareness of specific needs and rights of youth regarding sexual and reproductive health, prevention of HIV/AIDS, education and employment. Involving young people in the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes focused on their needs. Systematize and disseminate innovative experiences among countries, institutions and civil society organizations.