On November 29, 2012 UNFPA/Georgia within the framework of the UN Joint Program Enhancing Gender Equality in Georgia organized the National Youth Forum, which was simultaneously held in three cities of Georgia – Tbilisi, Telavi, and Batumi. Bringing together the voices of youth of Georgia, 47 participants representing various universities and youth organizations across Georgia, the National Youth Forum put together a set of recommendations on variety of issues, including healthy lifestyle, sexual and reproductive health rights, gender equality, education, civic engagement and activism.
The outcome of the national forum will directly contribute to the Global Youth Forum to be held in Bali on December 4-6, 2012. The Global Youth Forum represents the peak of efforts by UN agencies, young people and civil society to translate the participatory aspirations of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) into a sustainable youth advocacy network.
Recommendations
Youth Healthy Lifestyle
- Integrating healthy lifestyle programs in the high school education curricula;
- Enhancing capacity of youth organizations and strengthening their advocacy efforts;
- Mainstreaming environmental issues in government’s policies and plans;
- Elaborating policy papers on promoting healthy lifestyle on both central and self-governance levels;
Youth on Gender Equality
- Integrating gender issues in the education system at all levels, including high schools and kindergartens;
- Increasing male involvement in enhancing gender equality, including though peer-to-peer education;
- Strengthening state support in provision of services for the victims of domestic violence;
- Conducing awareness raising campaigns on gender equality through media campaigns and education programs.
Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Integrating sex education in the school curriculum;
- Enhancing peer-to –peer education program;
- Increasing number and quality of youth-friendly services;
Youth Education
- Increasing number of vocational education institutions;
- Capacity building of school teachers for provision of youth friendly information and education;
- Increasing students’ affordability to education loans and scholarship programs;
- Enhancing capacity of university professors through continuous education programs;
Youth Employment
- Establishing career development services and centers at the universities;
- Strengthening university and private sector partnerships to increase career opportunities for students and recent graduates;
- Promoting and positioning of vocational education as a sound alternative to higher education;
- Establishing seasonal and part-time job programs for students;
- Organizing job fairs at the universities;
- Promoting community services and volunteer-base activism;
Youth Civic Engagement
- Strengthening youth organizations and establishing networks of like-minded youth organizations;
- Increasing information sharing and coordination among youth organizations for building effective partnerships;
- Elaborating petitions and other activism tools on issues pertaining students and youth in general.
