Mr.Chairperson,

As a youth representative from Finland, it is an honour for me to address this Assembly.

We are here to review the situation of youth and achievements attained in the implementation of the World Programme of Action for Youth ten years after its adoption. I am delighted to see more youth delegates here, at the United Nations’ highest decision-making body, than ever before. However, more than xx member states still have not provided the voices of the youth the opportunity to be heard at this forum. This in spite of the fact that the General Assembly has adopted numerous resolutions calling for the inclusion of youth representatives in Member States’ delegations. True representation, however, can only be achieved when democratically chosen bodies representing different youth interests, such as National Youth Councils, conduct the selection of the youth representatives.

General Assembly resolutions also recommend that young people should be directly involved in decision-making processes. Youth-led development should be promoted at all levels. Young people should take responsibility for developing their societies.

Mr.Chairperson,

The World Programme of Action for Youth provides a very good basis for any country to develop a national youth policy. However, there is a need to strengthen the authority of this document. General awareness of the WPAY needs to be greatly increased. Youth organisations need to be involved in the implementation and monitoring of the WPAY. There is also a need to find accurate indicators for monitoring the impact of WPAY. One solution is to choose indicators applied in the compiling of the Human Development Index, which are suitable for youth issues, and use them in analysing data for monitoring. The monitoring could be delegated to national youth councils - with the appropriate funding - to get an adequate overall picture of the situation of young people in the state in question.

Mr.Chairperson,

As a youth representative, I strongly recommend a special UN taskforce to be established to coordinate the implementation and monitoring of WPAY in order to make reporting official and efficient.

The WPAY should also be seen as a tool for reaching the MDG’s. Although WPAY is not a legally binding document in itself, many of the important issues contained therein - such as the right to health and employment issues - are already included in existing, legally binding international instruments.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for action. We all know what to do. Now, let us please do it.

Mr.Chairperson,

While celebrating its tenth anniversary, the WPAY is getting rid of its “paediatric problems”. She is becoming a strong and independent teenager who has hopefully found her place in the UN family. And as a demanding teenager, questioning the status quo and demanding change, she should remain also in the future.

Thank you for your attention.