CHAPTER 4: YOUTH AND FUTURE GENERATIONS
Action 36. We will strengthen meaningful youth participation at the national level.
Indicator
Target
Baseline: Sept 2024 Data Summary
Most Recently Reported Data
Progress
Sub-Action (a1) Encourage and support the establishment of mechanisms at the national level to consult with young people
% of countries with formal youth engagement mechanisms at the national level
Increase formal youth engagement mechanisms at the national level
In 2025, approximately 33% of countries have formal mechanisms to engage youth in decision-making processes and education discussions.
In 2026, about one-third of countries have formal mechanisms in place to engage youth in decision-making.
No Progress
% of UN Country Teams (UNCT) supporting the strengthening of national institutional mechanisms for multisectoral youth coordination
Increase in UNCT support to national youth coordination mechanisms
In 2023, 85% (112 of 131) of UNCTs reported strengthening national institutional mechanisms for multisectoral and multistakeholder coordination of youth programs, up from 79% (103 out of 130) in 2020.
In 2024, 86% of UNCTs (113 out of 132) reported strengthening national institutional mechanisms for multisectoral and multistakeholder coordination of youth programs
Minimal Progress
Sub-Action (a2) Provide young people with meaningful opportunities to engage in national policymaking and decision-making processes, supported upon request by the United Nations system and in line with national legislation and policies.
% of UN Country Teams (UNCT) engaging youth in national development planning processes
Increase UNCT engagement of youth in national development planning
In 2023, 94% of UNCTs (124 out of 132) reported engaging youth in their United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
In 2024, 84% (111 of 132) of UNCTs reported engaging youth in their UNSDCF processes.
Regression
Sub-Action (c) Improve the representation of all youth, including young women, young persons with disabilities, young persons of African descent and those in vulnerable situations, in formal political structures.
% of parliamentary seats held by young people (aged 30 or under)
Increase parliamentary representation of young people
In 2023, 2.8% of members of Parliament worldwide are aged 30 or under.
In 2024, youth representation in national parliaments stalled, with only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians aged 30 and under, which is the same as in 2023; however, it is 75% higher than in 2014 (1.6%).
No Progress