The 8th UNESCO Youth Forum

From 29th to 31st October 2013, the 8th UNESCO Youth Forum took place atthe UNESCO headquarters in Paris. An OBESSU delegation composed by Daniele Di Mitri and Dejan Bojanic from the OBESSU Board took part as observers to the activities. The main objective of the Forum was to formulate strategic recommendations for UNESCO’s Member States to be submitted to them during the 37th session of the Organisation’s General Conference. The discussions were divided into three main axis: i) Policy formulation and review with youth participation; ii) Capacity development for the transition to adulthood; iii) Civic engagement, democratic participation and social innovation. More than four hundreds young national representatives from all around the globe, divided into three working groups, shared their views and formulated the final recommendations.

OBESSU raised various points especially concerning the importance of addressing the issue of quality and accessible education, especially for the disadvantage groups who, particularly in a phase of general financial contraction, are groups at risk.

Written by Daniele Di Mitri, OBESSU Board Member