Making lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam © Nguy Ha
UN-HABITAT invites application to URBAN YOUTH FUND
The UN-HABITAT Urban Youth Fund will this year provide one million dollars to projects led by young people aged 15-32 years who are piloting innovative approaches to employment, good governance, shelter and secure tenure. Small development initiatives are eligible for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Of the one billion slum dwellers in the world today, it is estimated that more than 70% are under the age of 30. These young people have few resources available to improve their own living environments. There are many youth-led initiatives in slums and squatter settlements around the world that require support in their efforts to transform their communities.
UN-HABITAT invites young people based in cities or towns from the developing world to apply for grants from the fund. The deadline for applications is April 15th 2011. More information and details are available at www.unhabitat.org/youthfund.
Background:
This initiative sprang from the 21st session of the UN-HABITAT Governing Council in 2007 and has so far awarded grants to 113 projects led by young people from all over the world.
In 2010 the winning projects from 31 countries were feted in Shanghai, China at the World Expo on 12 August. Many of the project ideas were aimed at alleviating poverty, improving employment opportunities, improving the environment and increasing youth participation in decision-making. The fund promotes the poverty-reduction aims of the Millennium Development Goals, and the Habitat Agenda for better, more sustainable and equitable towns and cities throughout the developing world.
In his message for International Youth Day 2011, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, said that the needs of young people must be taken into account in economic and social development.
“I am regularly inspired by the goodwill, talent and idealism of the young people I meet across the world. They are making important contributions to our work to eradicate poverty, contain the spread of disease, combat climate change and achieve the Millennium Development Goals”, he said.
For further information, please contact: Head, Press & Media Relations Unit & Spokesperson, or Media Liaison, Press & Media Relations Unit, UN-HABITAT, Nairobi; Tel: (254 2) 7623153, 7623151, Fax (254 2) 7624060, (Cellphone) (254 2) 733 760332, E-mail: habitat [dot] press [at] unhabitat [dot] org, Website: www.unhabitat.org
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