The world currently holds the largest generation of young people in history, with 1.8 billion adolescents and youth making up one quarter of the world’s population. Fulfilling young people’s right to health, education and decent work can create a powerful force for economic development and positive change across societies. A wide-lens perspective on health and development is needed to address the social determinants that put young people at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Young people are increasingly acknowledged as assets and key partners in development. In 2012, the United Nations Secretary-General recognized young people as one of five generational imperatives and opportunities in his Five Year Action Agenda, increasing the focus and depth of how the UN system works with and for young people. Similarly, in the process to arrive at a new global development framework for the Post 2015 world, young people have been noted as a priority in key documents and recommendations. Young people have also effectively advocated for an agenda that addresses inequalities, focuses on the most marginalized and secures the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all young people