Ms. Julia BLOCHER, President of the International Youth Federation meets with Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth
(IYF – New York): On 28 February, Ms. Julia BLOCHER, President of the International Youth Federation meets with Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth on the side at the International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) in New York hosted by the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) which focus on engaging youth as key partners in migration governance.
“I am delighted and honored to meet the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth and listen to her thoughtful remarks on inclusion and human development. She and her office are doing an excellent job to represent the perspectives of youth and young migrants here today,” said the IYF President. “Thanks to her, the delegates learned that the face of migration is the face of a young person.”
The 2019 series of the International Dialogue for Migration is dedicated to discussing how to engage youth as a key partner in global processes on migration. The 2019 IDM responds to the calls for greater engagement with youth made by participants at IDM and it is aligned with the United Nations Youth Strategy which recognizes the potential of the youth to advance progress in many policy areas, considering young people’s first-hand experience.
Today, there are more young people in the world than ever, 1.8 billion, the largest generation in history. Of the 258 million international migrants, approximately 11 percent of them were below 24 years of age in 2017. The propensity to migrate tends to be highest among young people. Young people have also a key role in policy discussions, rising up worldwide for their rights and better opportunities and demanding a seat at the table in decision-making processes.
These sessions discussed global strategies and partnerships in the area of youth mobility as well as best practices for youth engagement in policy and decision-making processes. Adaptation, integration, and empowerment of young migrants will be explored through an exchange of good practices; lessons learned and recommendations with representatives from all relevant sectors, including young migrants themselves.