EU-UN cooperation: EU announces support to the UN Youth Office

The EU is demonstrating its attachment to multilateralism and engagement with young people in the framework of the Youth Action Plan in EU External Action, announcing a contribution of €1 million to the UN Youth Office established in December 2023. The UN Youth Office aims to strengthen engagement on and advocacy for advancing youth issues across the UN, notably on sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights.

Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said: “The EU and the UN Youth Office have a shared objective: to support and amplify the meaningful representation, voices and actions of young people in co-creating solutions to global challenges. We look forward to deepening our partnership and collaboration in multilateral for a with youth at the table.”

The funds will support advocacy as well as guidance and tools intended to strengthen the participation of youth in multilateral for a at global and national levels. The objective is to ensure that young people have the opportunities and means to meaningfully engage in co-shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives and their futures.

The announcement will be made by Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen during her meeting today with Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.  

The contribution confirms the EU's commitment to engage, empower and connect young people in line with its Youth Action Plan in External Action 2022-2027, the first-ever policy framework for a strategic partnership with young people around the world to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. 

The Youth Action Plan supports the EU in delivering on international commitments by enhancing meaningful youth participation and empowerment in the EU's external action policies. It facilitates the direct participation of young people through the global Youth Sounding Board for International Partnerships and local youth sounding boards across the world that advise the European Commission and EU Delegations on youth participation and empowerment in EU policies and programmes.