Conference to share International Experiences on Youth Development Policies

Data from the 2014 Inter-Census Population Survey shows that Viet Nam has entered a "golden population" period, recording the highest proportion of young people in Viet Nam's history. Young people now represent one third of the total population. This presents Viet Nam with a one-time and unique opportunity in its history to make this golden period the driver for socio-economic prosperity, by ensuring that every young person is educated and supported to achieve his or her full potential.

Viet Nam has achieved many progressive achievements in youth related issues over the past years. However, young people are still facing many difficulties and challenges to reach their full potential. Safeguarding young people's rights and investing in their future by providing quality education, decent employment, effective livelihood skills, and access to sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive sexuality education that emphasizes gender equality, is essential to their development and that of their families, communities and the country as a whole.

Addressing the conference, Vice Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Nguyen Trong Thua emphasized: "Young people are the driving force for change, who will build a brighter future for the country. They should be in the center of the human resource development strategy. Youth care and development must be a top priority for the country's sustainable development".

During the conference, there were many presentations from the international and national experts. Particularly, the experiences and best practices from international experts from Brazil, Bulgaria, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and the United Kingdom are very valuable for Viet Nam in the development and implementation of the Youth Law and polices.

"Experiences around the world demonstrate that protecting young men and women's  rights; creating the conditions that allow them to complete secondary schools at minimum; teaching them livelihood skills; assisting them to find decent work; ensuring their access to sexual and reproductive health and rights – these are essential steps that pave the way to a fulfilling and productive adolescence, youth and, eventually, adulthood. Naturally,  this pathway requires investment. And, to be most effective, this investment requires coordination across sectors and old and new partners," said Ms. Astrid Bant, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam.

It's time for Viet Nam to review its work to provide better support to young people. It's now time to invest in young people. Investing in young people is an investment in our future.

For further information, please contact:

• Ms. Luong Thi Hai Anh, Department for Youth issues, MOHA, Tel: (84-4) 62695776, Email: luongthihaianh@moha.gov.vn
• Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thanh, UNFPA Communications, Mob: 0913 093363, Email: tnguyen@unfpa.org