UNFPA has launched its concept paper on Empowering Adolescents and Youth to Ensure a Sustainable Future for All. The concept paper calls for a stand-alone Post-2015 goal on Adolescents and Youth. As well as referring to the numerous recent global and regional discussions and their outcomes that recognize the urgent need to invest in adolescents and youth, it makes proposals for such a goal, together with possible six targets and indicators.
The timing is particularly apposite given the scant attention that is paid to this age group in the Focus Areas Paper recently circulated by the Co-Chairs of the UN General Assembly Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals. The concept paper highlights many issues related to adolescents and youth that should be included in the post-2015 development agenda.