Youth Caucus Proposal on Poverty Eradication

APRIL 28, 2003

On behalf of youth, we are concerned that the 2 year work plan proposed by the secretariat will not allow enough time for the international CSD policies to reach regional, national and then local arenas. There must be the time and the channels in the work plan of the CSD so that local input can reach the international meetings. This means time for countries to recognize and initiate local implementation, as well as time for regional actors to share knowledge and form meaningful partnerships, and then more time for all this to culminate at the annual CSD. We do not think active full and effective participation can happen under the proposed 2-year plan.

As the secretariat works to create a more integrated and coordinated strategy within
the UN system in order that departments do not duplicate efforts and so that experts work together, we urge you to build on the progress created in the youth employment summit held in 2000. We youth have already been involved in many experts group meetings and world summits, we urge you not to focus on more research but to move on the implementation of the research we already have.

To address real poverty eradication, governments and multilateral bodies must consider the restructuring or opening of HPIC programs, so that developing and highly indebted countries can use their economies to invest in their people, instead of the never-ending cycle of debt payments.

Two-thirds of the worlds poor live in rural areas. Youth migrate to cities because rural areas lack schools and job opportunities. Many youth would prefer to stay in rural areas with their families and communities, however they need reasons to stay. It is no one else’s responsibility but the governments to invest in rural economies and infrastructure to create job opportunities. We suggest governments promote and develop micro-industries, focus on increasing access for people in rural areas to markets, and making sure key information about climate change and market access reaches people in rural areas. Sustainable rural livelihoods will not happen if people living in rural areas do not have access to information. We as youth call upon governments to lead the way because young people dream of being able to live off the land and not having to move to the cities, but they also dream of roads and electricity and stable futures. Capacity building among people living in poverty, and among young people, will go a long way to create a sustainable future.