The UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, is in China this week together with a joint UN delegation to highlight the critical role young people play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the invitation of the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), the Youth Envoy is leading a joint delegation of senior youth experts from UNESCO, UNV, UNEP, UN Habitat, ILO, and UNFPA, to discuss issues related to youth participation, youth employment, and volunteerism.

According to the UN, there are an unprecedented 1.8 billion young people aged 10-24 years old in the world today. China has the world’s second largest population of young people, which according to national official data, makes up 20 percent of the country’s total population.

During the week long visit, the Envoy on Youth and the members of the delegation will meet with the leadership of the All-China Youth Federation and participate in a town hall meeting with young people to gauge their views on the sustainable development goals, and learn about their experiences.  The delegation will travel to Shandong province to visit youth entrepreneurship schemes, as well as see how innovation in new energy can provide opportunities for young people. The joint delegation will conclude the visit in Shanghai where they will dialogue with students from the Shanghai International Studies University and also visit a community based youth centre that provides HIV testing and counselling to high risk groups.

The 2030 Development Agenda, which is outlined in 17 goals, adopted by 193 countries is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity that seeks to strengthen universal peace, end absolute poverty and tackle climate change and environmental destruction. The delegation will discuss ways to strengthen the UN cooperation with All China Youth Federation in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Background on UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth

Ahmad Alhendawi of Jordan is the first ever United Nations Secretary- General’s Envoy on Youth. He assumed office in January, 2013 with extensive experience working on youth issues at the local, regional and international level.

Mr. Alhendawi assumed his position on 17 January 2013 with a mandate to harmonize the UN system efforts on youth development, enhance the UN response to youth needs, advocate for addressing the development needs and rights of young people, as well as to bring the work of the United Nations with and for youth closer to them. The Envoy on Youth also acts as the advisor to and the representative of the Secretary-General on youth related matters.

UN System in China

The UN System in China consists of 24 UN funds, programs and specialized agencies resident in China. All UN entities in China work in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations at various levels to support the Government to implement its national development objectives as well as Internationally Agreed Development Goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals. UN in China focuses its work on Poverty Reduction and Equitable Development, Improved and Sustainable Environment, and Enhanced Global Engagement.

To learn more about the SDG agenda please go to www.un.org.cn and also follow hash tag #可持续发展目标#

For further information, please contact: 

Ms. MENG Jun, UN Communication Assistant

Tel: +8610 8532 0890

Email: jun.meng@one.un.org