Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Item
- Title
-
Youth Policy
Formulation Manual - extracted text
-
ORMULA
■
■
-'V
'’•
I'X.’-
L
I
M A N U A
1
J
■
I
kh
Ik
"f
i
r
1
Human Resources Development Section
Social Development Division
United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
1!
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Youth Policy
Formulation Manual
United Nations
New York, 1999
ST/ESCAP/2035
UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION
Sales No. E.00.II.F.44
Copyright © United Nations 2000
ISBN: 92-1-119994-8
The designations employed and the presentation of the material
in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatso
ever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning
the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities,
or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
This publication has been issued by the secretariat of the
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. It may not
be reproduced or reprinted without the express permission of the United
Nations.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
E
b83 3
A
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Contents
Page
Introduction
1
Chapter
I.
The Concept, Rationale and Benefits of a
National Youth Policy
5
The concept of a national youth policy
The rationale for a national youth policy
The benefits of a national youth policy
Summary
5
7
9
10
A.
B.
C.
D.
II.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
III.
13
The Formulation Process of a National Youth Policy
Creating an appropriate policy development vehicle
Involving key stakeholders
Identifying the needs of young women and men
Using a participatory formulation process
Adopting the policy at the highest political level
Summary
The Content of a National Youth Polciy
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
Foreword
Rationale for the policy
Definition of youth
Youth profile
Historical and contemporary issues which impact on
youth participation
Reference to other policies and documents
Principles and values supporting the policy
Goals and vision statement
Policy objectives
Rights, responsibilities and obligations of
young women and men
Key strategies
Priority target groups
Implementation and coordination mechanisms
Summary
15
16
18
19
23
24
27
28
28
30
31
32
34
35
37
39
41
41
43
44
44
a
Contents (continued)
Page
IV.
Implementing a National Youth Policy
A.
B.
C.
Creating appropriate mechanisms for implementation
and coordination of a national youth policy
Reviewing and monitoring a national youth policy
49
51
Mainstreaming a national youth policy
Summary
53
58
59
61
Measuring the Effectiveness of a National
Youth Policy
65
D.
E.
F.
V.
Promoting a national youth policy
Formulating an accompanying national youth action plan
49
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Developing a set of key youth development
checklist indicators
Using specific targets
Introducing an annual youth audit
Establishing baseline data
Summary
65
67
67
67
67
Conclusion
71
References
73
Annexes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
ft w
iv
Resources to assist in the formulation of a
national youth policy
Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes,
adopted at the World Conference of Ministers Responsible
for Youth, held at Lisbon from 8 to 12 August 1998
Braga Youth Action Plan, adopted at the Third World
Youth Forum, held at Braga, Portugal from 2 to 7
August 1998
Recommendations of the Asia-Pacific Meeting of Youth
Organizations in Preparation for the Third Session of the
World Youth Forum, held at Bangkok from 27 to 29
May 1998
Selected government agencies responsible for youth affairs
within the Asia-Pacific region
United Nations references on the Internet
77
80
82
83
85
86
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Introduction
“Young people in all countries are both a major human resource for
development and key agents for social change, economic development
and technological innovation.
Their imagination, ideals, considerable
energies and vision are essential for the continuing development of the
societies in which they live. The problems that young people face as
well as their vision and aspirations are essential components of the
challenges and prospects of today’s societies and future generations.”
(United Nations, 1995)
Mobilizing the creativity and passion of young men and women, and
recognizing the unique perspective of youth on their current and future needs
are quickly becoming national and international priorities. Today there is
growing global acceptance of the value of committing time and resources to the
formulation of national youth policies and action plans. At the World Conference
of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held at Lisbon from 8 to 12 August 1998,
participants from over 140 countries made the following commitment:
We commit ourselves to ensuring that national youth policy formulation,
implementation and follow-up processes are, at appropriate level,
accorded commitment from the highest political level, including the
provision of adequate levels of resources.
(World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, 1998)
At the Third World Youth Forum, held at Braga, Portugal from 2 to 7
August 1998, a substantive timeline was established and the following
recommendation adopted:
The World Youth Forum recommends ... the formulation in all states of
youth policies, by the year 2005, which are cross-sectoral, comprehen
sive and formulated with long-term vision coupled with Action Plans.
(Third World Youth Forum, 1998)
Within Asia and the Pacific a variety of countries have taken up the
national youth policy formulation and action plan challenge. Many countries
in the region are in the initial phases of the youth policy formulation process.
Attempts are also being made to maximize youth participation in both the
policy formulation arena and within civil society as a whole.
M
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
In the light of these initiatives, and based on a long-standing commit
ment to youth, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP) has produced this Youth Policy Formulation Manual. Drawing upon
the best practices of those countries within the region already engaged in the
youth policy formulation process, this Manual provides guidelines for countries
taking the first steps in the formation of a national youth policy. The Manual
is also a useful resource for policy makers interested in reviewing and
building upon their previous formulation initiatives, as the case studies
included in the Manual provide a solid basis for comparing and evaluating
existing structures.
The Manual is divided into five main sections, as follows.
Chapter 1: The concept, rationale and benefits of a national youth
policy.
In Chapter 1 the concept of a national youth policy is defined and the
rationale for such a policy is discussed. In addition, the possible benefits of
creating a national youth policy are considered.
Chapter 2: The formulation process of a national youth policy.
In Chapter 2 the fundamental groundwork necessary for creating a
national youth policy is presented. Policy-making steps are also discussed
and several of the key strategies needed for starting policy formulation are
described.
Chapter 3: The content of a national youth policy.
Chapter 3 provides a detailed, yet flexible outline for the content of a
national youth policy document.
Chapter 4: Implementing a national youth policy.
Chapter 4 focuses on useful tactics to ensure that the policy formulation
process materializes into concrete actions.
Chapter 5: Measuring the effectiveness of a national youth policy.
In Chapter 5 ideas for the benchmarks necessary to assess the success
of youth policy initiatives are explored.
Each chapter ends with a summary of the different themes and reviews
the steps in the youth policy formulation process. In this way, the different
components of the formulation process are mapped out in a clear and
systematic manner.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
2
Introduction
By highlighting the different initiatives within Asia and the Pacific, this
Manual attempts to contribute to a regional awareness and understanding of
the national youth policy formulation process. Ideally, it will enable countries
to learn and grow from each other’s experiences. In addition, it is hoped that
it will inspire creativity within the policy formulation process and foster an
environment in which new best practices can be discovered. Finally, it is
anticipated that this process of information sharing will allow policy makers to
enhance youth opportunities through policy initiatives and eliminate some of
the barriers that prevent the empowerment and growth of young women and
men within society.
It must be noted that this Manual does not seek to provide a template
that can be simply applied to any country in the Asian and Pacific region.
Rather, it suggests a series of flexible departure points to stimulate youth
development planners to begin or improve their efforts in the youth policy
formulation process.
The content of this Manual has been prepared by the ESCAP
secretariat, with inputs from Mr Peter Kenyon, who served as a consultant.
Mr Kenyon has been extensively involved in facilitating and analysing national
youth policies, action plans and programmes in both the Asia-Pacific and
African regions. He has also worked as a consultant with both the Common
wealth Youth Programme and the United Nations Youth Unit. Data from over
20 countries have been utilized in the preparation of this Manual.
DO
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
YO
ICY
FORMULATION
D
The Concept, Rationale and
Benefits of a National Youth Policy
“If we are to be true statesmen, we must take into account the needs,
desires and the ambitions of the generations for whom we plan our
development. No architect would build a house without consulting the
wishes of those who live in it, and designing the house to their way of
life."
(Tunku Abdul Rahman, first Prime Minister of Malaysia,
at the Asia-Pacific Youth Seminar, 1991)
A. THE CONCEPT OF A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
To understand how a national youth policy is defined, several national
and international youth policy documents can be consulted.
The introduction to the Commonwealth Youth Programme suggests a
national youth policy is:
A practical demonstration and declaration of the priority and directions
that a country intends to give to the development of its young women
and men. A national youth policy specifically represents a genderinclusive statement that encapsulates the elements of vision, framework
and realistic guidelines from which strategies and initiatives can be
developed to facilitate meaningful youth participation and development
within a country.
(Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1996: 11)
The comments of Mr Mohammed Shahidul Alam, former DirectorGeneral, Department of Youth Development, Bangladesh, provide further
conceptual insights:
National youth policy would mean the guiding principles for planning and
implementation of activities relating to the development of the youths.
The national policy is a policy for the importance of the youths. It is a
guideline for the government and the private sector in planning and
implementing programmes according to the needs and aspirations of the
youths.
(Alam, 1997)
5
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
What a national policy can achieve can be determined by referring to policy
statements. The Commonwealth Youth Programme, for example, notes that:
A national youth policy raises the profile and understanding of young
people and acts as a blueprint in setting out their status, role, rights and
responsibilities in society.
(Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1996: 10)
Mathias Karani, former Minister for Employment and Youth in Papua
New Guinea, suggests that:
Our children must become meaningful participants in the development
process of our nation and not bystanders. This policy will provide a
development framework to enhance their participation in this process.
Unless they are empowered to do so, it will not be of use to them.
(Papua New Guinea, 1996)
An ESCAP assessment of national youth policies asserts that:
Effective youth policies can play a major role in creating an enabling
environment in which youth can develop their full potential and aspira
tions through the creation of a framework for action for all agencies and
organizations interested in the needs and contributions of young women
and men.
(ESCAP, 1998a: 2)
And finally, a statement taken from the Australian Youth Policy provides
this definition:
The purpose of a national youth policy ... is to ensure better coordina
tion of youth policy development and programs and service delivery
across agencies. The statement encourages recognition of young people
and the contribution they make to the community.
(Australia, 1993: 3)
Using these policy documents as guidelines, a general definition of what
a national youth policy is and what it can do emerges. It is:
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
6
•
A practical demonstration that youth are a priority;
•
A declaration for youth development;
•
A gender-inclusive statement;
•
A vision statement;
•
A framework for political action;
•
A blueprint of the status, rights, responsibilities and roles of youth.
I. The Concept, Rationale and Benefits of a National Youth Policy
It can:
Empower, enable and encourage youth;
Maximize youth participation;
Provide realistic guidelines, a timetable and a framework for
governments and the private sector to work together to help youth;
Ensure stronger coordination among youth-serving organizations
and enhance service delivery.
B. THE RATIONALE FOR A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
There is a special need to protect young people as a group from
exploitation and neglect while ensuring their economic, civic, social and
cultural participation. A recent ESCAP publication highlights this position:
It is important to recognize youth as a unique group in society due to
the many aspects of vulnerability they face while passing through a
major stage in their lives ... In addition to a recognition of the
vulnerability associated with the transitional nature of the identity of
youth, it is equally important to recognize youth as a positive force, as a
human resource with enormous potential for contributing to development.
(ESCAP, 1997: 10-12)
The World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond
(General Assembly resolution 50/81 of 14 December 1995) also draws
attention to the unique status of youth as a target group when it states:
Young people represent agents, beneficiaries and victims of major
societal changes and are generally confronted by a paradox: to seek to
be integrated into an existing order or to serve as a force to transform
that order. Young people in all parts of the world, living in countries at
different stages of development and in different socio-economic settings,
aspire to full participation in the life of society.
Finally, the Commonwealth Youth Charter provides useful insights into
why youth are an important policy priority:
There is in the Commonwealth a wide recognition that young men and
women constitute a community of interest whose needs and aspirations
require specific attention. Today young men and women form a
significant proportion of most national populations; need a supportive,
participatory and informative environment to move successfully from the
dependence of childhood to the autonomy and responsibility of
adulthood; have a unique contribution to make to national development
a
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
due to their energy, enthusiasm, resilience and ability to inject a fresh
focus; have had less life experience and often significantly less exposure
to information, resources and power over their lives than older people,
making them more vulnerable to neglect, abuse and exploitation; and
often represent the most ‘at risk’ group in terms of major socio-economic
challenges including unemployment, low income, physical and sexual
abuse, substance abuse and a wide range of health issues including
HIV/AIDS - young women being most disadvantaged in these areas.
(Commonwealth Youth Charter, 1996)
In terms of sheer numbers, youth represent a significant portion of the
global community. Today, approximately 20 per cent of the world’s popula
tion are in the 15 to 24 age group, and in many developing countries this
group will soon constitute 50 per cent of the population. In addition, 60 per
cent of the world’s youth population, or over 600 million young people,
reside in the Asia-Pacific region. (Kenyon, 1998)
Linked directly to these figures is the growing recognition of the
importance of youth development at both the national, regional and interna
tional levels. Increasingly, international forums are encouraging countries to
For
institute appropriate policy mechanisms to meet the needs of youth,
example, the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and
Beyond stresses the formulation and adoption of an integrated national
youth policy for all governments that have not already done so, as a
means of addressing youth concerns.
The importance and relevance of the national youth policy formulation
process has been recognized in the Asian and Pacific region for nearly
two decades. In 1981, as a direct response to the question “Why do we
need a national youth policy?” youth workers at an ESCAP regional
workshop suggested that a national youth policy:
Provides parliament with an effective means of declaring to the
nation the importance of youth in national development;
Acts as a sign and symbol of the commitment of the nation to the
priority it attaches to youth;
Provides a rallying point, a means of challenge and appeal to the
youth generation to mobilize their resources and participate effec
tively in national development;
Provides an appeal to all citizens to give priority to youth concerns,
to generate a new spirit of cooperation between young and old;
Demonstrates the distinctive and complementary roles of govern
ments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and youth groups in
youth development and provides a framework of common goals and
the development of a spirit of cooperation and coordination;
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
8
I. The Concept, Rationale and Benefits of a National Youth Policy
Provides a call for a concerted effort by all ministries and depart
ments of government to promote youth needs and responses;
Identifies the needs and aspirations of youth;
Provides, through the processes of both formulation and subsequent
discussion, an example of how youth can engage in the decision
making process of the country.
(ESCAP, 1981)
Although these responses were made almost 20 years ago they remain
relevant today. They also provide a solid basis for understanding the rationale
for the formulation of youth policy.
As this section has illustrated, the rationale for a national youth
policy has three important elements:
1.
Youth constitute a unique group within society. While they are
often considered one of the most vulnerable groups within the
social fabric, they are also regarded as the greatest source of
hope for the nation’s future.
2.
Youth represent a significant portion of the world’s population:
it is estimated that the global youth population in 1995 was
over 1 billion and comprised 18 per cent of the world’s
population, of whom 84 per cent lived in developing countries.
Those under the age of 30 could form as much as 55 per
cent of the world’s population by the year 2005. In the leastdeveloped countries of the world, the figure is closer to 70 per
cent. (Kenyon, 1998)
3.
There is a rich regional and international history of recognizing
the importance of the youth policy formulation process and
this mandates nations to take immediate steps to ensure that
they have a national youth policy and accompanying action
plan in place.
C. THE BENEFITS OF A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
Drawing on the ideas that have emerged from policy documents, the
potential benefits of a national youth policy include:
Defining a nation’s vision for the future of its young women and men;
Serving as a symbol of a society’s commitment to its youth citizens;
E
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Raising the national profile of young women and men;
Identifying the needs of youth;
Creating a framework of common goals for collective action and
coordination of strategies and action for youth development for
governmental, non-governmental and youth organizations;
Providing a basis for the equitable distribution of government
resources to meet youth needs;
Stimulating opportunities to mainstream youth policies into other
sectoral policies and programmes;
Developing a basis for the strategic planning, monitoring and
evaluation of policies and programmes which impact on the youth
population;
Providing examples of how young women and men can engage in
the decision-making processes of their country through active
participation in the process of formulation and implementation of
youth policies.
These benefits have to be kept in mind throughout the policy
formulation process, Each nation will also have a list of benefits linked to its
own unique situation.
SUMMARY
D.
In Chapter I the following topics were reviewed:
1.
The concept of a national youth policy.
2.
The rationale for a national youth policy.
3.
The benefits of a national youth policy.
1. The concept of a national youth policy
Some key definitions of a national youth policy:
A principle;
A foundation;
A guideline;
A manifestation of political will;
YOI
FOI
POLICY
LATION
10
I. The Concept, Rationale and Benefits of a National Youth Policy
A blueprint;
A framework;
A vision statement.
Ultimately a youth policy should serve to empower, enable and inspire
youth and youth-serving organizations.
2. The rationale for a national youth policy
1111^
Why are youth important to the ESCAP region?
Sixty per cent of the world’s youth population lives in the Asian and
Pacific region.
Youth represent a unique group within society; they are advocates
for change and hope within society but are particularly vulnerable to
societal pressures. They seek to be integrated, yet challenge the
status quo.
The idea of youth as a distinct group deserving participation in
society has a rich international and regional history that deserves to
be recognized.
3. The benefits of a national youth policy
IIII4-
The benefits of a national youth policy are that:
It fosters a stronger spirit of cooperation between young and old.
It creates common goals for youth, the government, NGOs and the
private sector.
It provides a way to plan for the future of youth.
It raises the profile of youth as an important group within society.
What next?
Chapter II describes the key groundwork to be done in the policy
formulation process.
PH
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
El
The Formulation Process
of a National Youth Policy
“Plans are nothing, planning is everything.”
(Dwight D. Eisenhower,
former President of the United States of America)
The youth policy formulation process is a systematic procedure requiring
careful thought and planning. While no path will be precisely the same, the
steps outlined by the Secretary-General of the United Nations during Interna
tional Youth Year (1985) are a useful introduction to the overall process
followed by many countries.
1.
The establishment of a definition of youth appropriate to national
circumstances and identification of the various subcategories of
youth in the country.
2.
The identification of the needs and expectations of youth, the
formulation of youth policies, with specific indications of the required
legislation and administrative measures to implement them, and the
allocation of resources and identification of responsible actors.
3.
The establishment of a quantitative and qualitative profile of the social,
economic, cultural and political characteristics of each subcategory of
youth, with special attention to demography; political, economic, social
and cultural participation; education and training; employment,
unemployment and underemployment; health; use of free time, sports
and recreation: delinquency; and attitudes and expectations.
4.
The assessment of those elements of existing national policy that
constitute a general orientation for youth policy; such elements
might include the constitution, legislation, overall development policy
and sectoral policies, as well as the international legal instrument to
which the country subscribes.
5.
The identification and evaluation of various government and non
government programmes of direct or indirect concern to youth, the
resources available to them (budget, infrastructure, staff, leadership,
equipment, etc.) and assessment of the categories and proportion
of young people affected.
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
6.
The adoption of the policy by the government and its formal
enactment by the national legislative body.
7.
The widespread diffusion of policy documents and associated
statements, to inform youth and all other sectors of society of the
seriousness of the issues of youth, of the need to address those
issues and to secure the effective participation of youth in society,
and of the role of each sector of society in the achievement of
these policy goals.
8.
The establishment of institutional arrangements and procedures
designed to secure the effective integration of youth policy into
national development planning, and the coordination of all related
activities.
9.
The implementation of policy measures, with attention to the
continuous and effective participation of young persons and the
establishment of efficient programme management and operational
evaluation.
10. The regular evaluation, assessment and re-adjustment of national
youth policies.
(United Nations, 1985: 27-28)
Both the Braga Youth Action Plan (Third World Youth Forum, 1998) and
the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes (World Conference
of Ministers Responsible for Youth, 1998) can also be consulted for ideas on
the policy formulation process. These documents state that the requirements
of the policy formulation process are:
A commitment from the highest political level;
The provision of adequate levels of resources;
The active participation of young women and men at all stages
of the formulation process;
A strong partnership among key stakeholders;
The mainstreaming of youth policies;
The coupling of national youth policies with action plans.
Finally, a review of national youth policy formulation experiences within
the Asian and Pacific region emphasizes the importance of certain process
elements. These are:
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
14
II. The Formulation Process of a National Youth Policy
Creating an appropriate policy development vehicle;
Involving key stakeholders;
Identifying the needs of young women and men;
Using a participatory formulation process;
Adopting the policy at the highest political level.
Each of these five process elements is reviewed below and examples of
regional best practices are provided. This summary will assist those countries
in the first stages of the policy-planning process in establishing an effective
framework for succeeding in their youth policy-planning initiatives.
A.
CREATING AN APPROPRIATE POLICY
DEVELOPMENT VEHICLE
The formulation of appropriate policy mechanisms provides a clear sense
of direction regarding how the national youth policy formulation process should
proceed and ensures that the policy formulation process remains on target.
Case study 1: South Africa
The democratization of South African society offers both opportunities
and challenges to previously disadvantaged groups. The government
recognizes youth as a vital resource whose future prospects are inextricably
linked to those of the country as a whole. It established a National Youth
Commission through the National Youth Commission Act of 1996. President
Mandela stated that “Youth are the valued possession of the nation, Without
them there can be no future. Their needs are immense and urgent, They
are the centre of reconstruction and development”.
(South Africa, 1996)
The National Youth Commission is composed of 19 members, all young
people. It is based within the office of the Deputy President. The primary
aim of the Commission is to assist the Government of South Africa in the
development of “a comprehensive youth development policy”. Their mandate
is defined in the three objectives listed in their general information handbook:
1.
To coordinate an integrated national youth policy.
2.
To develop principles and guidelines and make recommendations to
the government regarding such principles and guidelines for the
implementation of an integrated national youth policy.
15
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
3.
To develop an integrated national plan that utilizes available
resources and expertise for the development of the youth and is
integrated within the reconstruction and development program.
(South Africa, 1997a)
Case study 2: the Philippines
The Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the Philippines provides
a regional example of how a youth policy development vehicle might be
structured. The formulation of the Plan involved the formation of three key
organizational task groups: a Plan secretariat, a steering committee and a
technical working committee.
The Plan secretariat is composed of technical staff from various
divisions of the National Youth Commission. The Steering Committee was
constituted to provide the general policy and overall guidance in the formula
tion process and comprises representatives from 18 major youth-related
government agencies, one youth-related NGO and three youth organizations.
It is chaired by the National Youth Commission and co-chaired by the
National Economic and Development Authority. Finally, the technical working
committee is an inter-agency group expected to undertake the actual
preparation of different sections of the Plan and focus on priority youth
subsectors. Thus, these three groups are tasked to work together to assist in
the planning and initiation of the Youth Policy.
B.
INVOLVING KEY STAKEHOLDERS
No mechanism is fully effective without the support and cooperation of
all the key stakeholders concerned.
The importance of this point was
summarized effectively in the following commitment, made at the Second
Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for
Youth, held at Bangkok from 1 to 5 June 1998:
[To strengthen] responsible partnerships among key stakeholders includ
ing young women and young men, their families, governments, international
agencies, youth organizations and other non-governmental organizations,
educational institutions, civil society, the business sector and the media in
order to create synergies to better address youth potential and problems both
at national and local levels.
(ESCAP, 1998b)
The concept of stakeholders should thus be broad and may include, but
should not be limited to, all of the groups listed above in italics.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
ry y
16
II. The Formulation Process of a National Youth Policy
Case study 1: the Philippines
The Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the Philippines provides
a useful departure point for an understanding of how stakeholders might be
involved and consulted. The formulation of the Plan took two and a half
years. This included an eighteen-month preparatory phase which mobilized
over 3,000 participants from the government, NGOs, youth, the private sector
and multilateral agencies. A summary of the elements of this process is
provided below.
Stages of policy formulation of the
Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the Philippines
1.
Three area-wide consultations.
2.
A survey of the situation of youth, in-depth studies on four
subgroups of young people and two national surveys.
3.
A conference of experts to validate the findings of the sectoral
situation.
4.
A three-day multisectoral summit involving 80 representatives
from government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, multilateral
agencies and youth.
5.
A two-day consultation and youth dialogues in all 16 regions of
the country to validate the output generated from the national
summit.
6.
Technical working committees (five committees involving 10 to 15
members and meeting on four occasions).
7.
A second multisectoral workshop, involving a two-day workshop
to present the final draft plan and identify specific flagship
programmes.
8.
Submission of the draft plan to various technical boards for
approval.
9.
Presidential approval.
10. Implementation and promotion of the Plan.
Case study 2: South Africa
The South African youth policy formulation process also involved
extensive stakeholder participation. South Africa engaged in a variety of
consultation initiatives including:
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
1.
A National Youth Summit bringing together more than 200
delegates from major youth, political and community organizations
to discuss the process of policy formulation and to create a
framework and direction for the national youth policy.
2.
Thirty-five youth hearings held in a variety of rural and urban
settings across the country. These hearings provided an opportunity
for over 3,000 young women and men to come together to discuss
the major issues, challenges and needs that youth face.
3.
Provincial youth summits convened in every province, involving
more than 1,400 young people and representatives from different
youth organizations.
4.
Twelve sectoral workshops and focus groups designed to
consider the specific strategy areas for the proposed national youth
policy.
5.
Direct consultations between the National Youth Commission and
central government departments.
6.
Written submissions solicited and received from over 100 groups
and individuals.
7.
One hundred and sixty-five representatives of major youth groups,
political organizations and government departments, assembled to
review the first draft of the national youth policy and recommend
changes.
C. IDENTIFYING THE NEEDS OF YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN
Understanding the needs of young people is also a prerequisite in the
formulation process of a national youth policy. As the Commonwealth Youth
Programme’s publication “Approaching Youth Policy” states:
What all policies need ... is to be grounded firmly and unequivocally in
a national understanding of the position of young people. For only in
this way will it be possible to create policies which have any chance of
success for the young people concerned. If they are not successful by
that criterion, can they be successful by any other?
(Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1990)
To incorporate the aspirations of young people in community and
national development, policy makers must therefore understand the needs,
problems, issues, perceptions, attitudes and ideas of young men and women.
This is a multi-layered process:
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
- \
18
II. The Formulation Process of a National Youth Policy
Development is a form of social architecture which requires both
consultation and the active involvement of the people. Development of
youth has three implications: development of youth, development by
youth, and development for youth.
(Alam, 1997)
There also has to be an awareness that young people are not a
homogeneous group; youth may have a diverse range of needs and interests:
It is important that contact and dialogue is not just established with
“reachable” young men and women (those young people found in
traditional youth organisations, political parties and formal settings).
Within such bodies, young men are often over-represented owing to
the hierarchical nature of the organisational structure. It is important
that the consultation process connects with unattached, alienated and
marginalised young men and women...
(Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1996: 34)
Exactly how youth needs can be measured will be discussed in more
detail in later chapters; it is vital, however, when commencing the planning
process to remember that youth needs have to remain at the core of the
policy formulation process.
D.
USING A PARTICIPATORY FORMULATION PROCESS
Engaging youth and other stakeholders in a participatory process means
devoting time and resources to designing and implementing creative strategies
which will reach as many people as possible. This may require a special
effort to include traditionally marginalized groups such as young women, rural
youth, and disabled youth.
Throughout the ESCAP region various participatory methodologies
have been used to engage stakeholders, including: grass-roots, district and
national consultations; sectoral dialogues and discussions; focus group
discussions; and live radio call-in programmes. Specific examples of such
creativity in participatory formulation processes at national level are given
below.
Case study 1: Cambodia
As part of the initial formulation of a national youth policy framework for
Cambodia, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports requested an ESCAP
mission team to conduct a series of situation analysis workshops with a cross
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
section of young people. In the workshops, priority issues were identified in a
participatory manner. Most of the discussion occurred through group work
that focused on identifying subgroups of youth, their problems and possible
solutions.
Case study 2: Maldives
The Ministry of Youth and Sports discovered a simple method to ensure
strong youth input during the consultation workshop with NGOs and govern
ment ministries: they requested two-person teams that had to include one
member within the youth target age group.
Case study 3: Viet Nam
Young people were involved in the 1999 national youth formulation
process in two ways:
1.
As part of the initial drafting, young people were asked to identify
and discuss what they saw as priority needs and interests that the
youth policy had to address.
2.
After production of the draft policy, but before its presentation to
the government, it was to be published and written comments from
young women and men were to be solicited. Input was to be
sought at the provincial, district and grass-roots levels through the
cooperation and participation of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth
Union, Viet Nam Youth Federation and the Viet Nam Association of
Students.
Case study 4: Sri Lanka
To fulfil a commitment made by the national youth policy formulation
team to consult young men and women throughout the country, over 50
professional youth staff spent two days in April 1999 at a workshop learning
participatory consultation skills.
Those trained have subsequently imple
mented forums for young women and men and other stakeholders in the
youth development field. The purpose of the forums was to:
Explain the concept and purpose of a national youth policy;
Enable young people and key stakeholders in youth development to
express their ideas and the needs that a national youth policy
should address;
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
II. The Formulation Process of a National Youth Policy
Generate ideas about key strategies and actions that would
enhance opportunities for young men and women in Sri Lanka.
A description of how this process worked can be seen in the agendas
of the forums.
Forum process in consulting with young men and
women in Sri Lanka
Scope: A three-hour workshop that brings together a range of young women
and men aged 17 to 29 years (approximately 50 in number)
Programme outline
1. Introduction
(a) Outline of the programme
(b) Personal introductions
(c) Concept and purpose of a national youth policy
2. Discussion Groups (maximum size ten people)
Questions:
(a) What are you proud of about yourself?
(b) What are you proud of about your local community?
(c) What are you proud of about your country?
(d) What are the key problems and issues you experience as a young
person?
(e) What are the reasons for each of these problems?
3. Describe your preferred vision for the future of Sri Lanka. What actions and
programmes are needed to achieve this future?
(a) Compile a list by brainstorming.
(b) Identify the four most important actions.
4. Prioritizing exercise
The whole group then prioritizes the key actions identified.
5. Closing
Thanks are given and an explanation of what happens in the formulation
process is provided, together with information about other opportunities to
input.
21
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Forum process in consulting with stakeholders in the
youth development field in Sri Lanka
Scope: A three-hour workshop involving approximately 20 people with a strong
involvement or interest in youth affairs. This could include teachers,
workers in NGOs, clergy and academics.
Programme outline
1. Introduction
(a) Outline of the programme
(b) Personal introductions
(c) Concept and purpose of a national youth policy
2. Discussion groups (maximum size eight people)
Questions:
(a) What do you feel are the major concerns facing young women and men
in Sri Lanka? Rank this list in order of priority.
(b) What do you feel are the major needs of young men and women in Sri
Lanka? Rank this list in order of priority.
(c) What are the current services and programs to support young men and
women?
(d) What gaps exist in terms of services and programs to support young
men and women in terms of needs and problems?
(e) Brainstorm proposals for addressing gaps and enhancing opportunities
for young men and women.
(f)
Identify the four most important proposals.
3. Prioritizing exercise
The whole group then prioritizes the key actions identified.
4. Closing
Thanks are given and an explanation of what happens in the formulation
process is provided, together with information about other opportunities to
input.
As these examples illustrate, involving youth and stakeholders can be
an exciting and innovative endeavour. The only limits are the imagination of
those involved.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
22
II. The Formulation Process of a National Youth Policy
E.
ADOPTING THE POLICY AT THE HIGHEST POLITICAL LEVEL
The final step in the youth policy formulation process is ensuring that
there is adequate political support. Two countries within the region, Viet Nam
and the Philippines, highlight best practices in this area.
Case study 1: Viet Nam
Viet Nam demonstrates a strong political commitment to its young men
and women. Within the national parliament there is a special committee
responsible for culture, education, sports, youth and children. The parliament
is to issue a separate law on youth, which will promote the framework for
national youth policies. This law is designed to specify the rights and
obligations and the mechanisms to support youth development. There is also
a national committee on youth, under the authority of the prime minister.
This has 16 members: 14 deputy ministers from all the key ministries
affecting young people, and the two leaders of the mass youth organizations
(the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Women’s Federation).
The three main functions of this committee are:
1.
To draw up youth policies for the government, including the
formulation in 1999 of a national youth policy.
2.
To monitor the implementation of the youth policies of ministries
and organizations.
3.
To oversee international cooperation in the field of youth.
Case study 2: the Philippines
The Philippines is another country where the national commitment to
young men and women has been clear and focused. For example, the
national policy for young people is enshrined in the Philippine constitution of
1987: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and
shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social
well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism; and
encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.” (Article II, Section
13).
Moreover, the responsibility for the formulation and implementation of
the Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the Philippines was allocated to
the National Youth Commission. The President’s Youth Adviser, who is also a
member of the Cabinet, heads this Commission. Finally, “The Philippines
Youth in Nation Building Act” is claimed by ex-President Ramos as a major
accomplishment of his recent administration. He states in the introduction to
the Philippines’ National Youth Policy:
s
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
As my administration comes to a close and I look back to what has
been accomplished, I proudly declare that my administration has been
youth-friendly ... and finally, I urge each and every youth to take up
their cause and do their part. I enjoin them to share this significant task
of constructing their fortune and the future of those who are to come
after them. Let this blueprint-The Medium-Term Youth Development
Plan-serve as our common instrument in attaining this end.
F.
SUMMARY
The stages of the policy formulation process that have been reviewed in
Chapters I and II include:
The concept, rationale and benefits of
a national youth policy
The concept of a national youth policy
The rationale for a national youth policy
The benefits of a national youth policy
The formulation process of a national youth policy
Creating an appropriate policy development vehicle.
Involving key stakeholders.
Identifying the needs of young women and men.
Using a participatory formulation process.
Adopting the policy at the highest political level.
The groundwork needed for the youth policy formulation process that has
been discussed in Chapter II is summarized below, and some general questions
and examples for the guidance of policy makers are also provided.
1. Creating an appropriate policy
development vehicle
Questions to consider:
Has an appropriate policy development vehicle been established?
Does this policy development vehicle have adequate financial and
political support?
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
24
II. The Formulation Process of a National Youth Policy
Is this policy development vehicle suitable for all the stages of the
youth policy formulation process?
Does this policy development vehicle allow youth to participate?
(Examples of youth development mechanisms include a youth
ministry, a steering committee, a youth bureau, a planning secre
tariat and a technical working group.)
2.
Involving key stakeholders
Questions to consider:
Who are the relevant stakeholders? (Stakeholders should include
young women and men, families, international agencies, the media,
business, civil society, youth organizations, educational institutes
and the government.)
What is the
involved?
best way to ensure
that all
stakeholders
are
How can stakeholders be reached? (Ways to reach stakeholders
include area-wide consultations, workshops, national and regional
youth summits, calling for written submissions and national and
regional policy dialogues.)
3.
Illl^
Identifying the needs of young
women and men
Questions to consider:
What are the strongest youth needs and how can they be
measured?
Are there particular groups in need of targeted guidance and
support? (Within the ESCAP region girls and young women and
rural youth are two examples of priority groups to reach.)
llll^
4.
Using a participatory formulation process
Questions to consider:
Are youth involved in the formulation process?
Are the forums available for youth to express their ideas youth
friendly?
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Are stakeholders able to provide feedback and ideas throughout the
formation process in as many different ways as possible?
What are the strategies that can be used? (Strategies to promote
participatory processes include situation analysis workshops and
employing individuals trained in participatory methods to assist with
the policy formulation process.)
5. Adopting the policy at the highest political level
Questions to consider:
Is there a financial commitment to youth?
How much of a priority is youth on the national agenda? (Examples
of according priority to youth include: high-level officials heading all
youth initiatives and making public statements in regard to youth
and the creation of specific laws addressing youth.)
What next?
In Chapter III the various elements of a national youth policy are
discussed.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
26
□
YOUTH POLE.
LICY
FORMULATION
The Content of a National
Youth Policy
“The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
(Albert Einstein)
There is no prescriptive formula that has to be followed when describing
what a national youth policy should contain. Each nation must determine the
preferred structure and content. As the words of the secretary-general of the
Malaysian Youth Council remind us, a national youth policy is “not intended to
lead to a single, prescriptive and inflexible curriculum that would restrain
diversity or restrict initiatives” (Abdullah, 1998: 20). This was confirmed at the
Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ “Working Group on Youth Policy Development”
held in Trinidad and Tobago (May 1995). There, while many useful policy
formulation strategies were presented, the following sentiment still emerged:
“The parameters and the scope of the national youth policies should be
determined by each country, as a response to its specific political set-up, social
situation and cultural ethos.”
(Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1996: 13.)
Despite this cautionary note there are some general guidelines that can
be followed. A review of completed national youth policies in the Asian and
Pacific region reveals a number of common key structural features.
Features common to many national youth policies
1.
Foreword.
2.
Rationale for the policy.
Definition of youth.
3.
4.
Youth profile.
Historical and contemporary issues which impact on youth participation.
5.
Reference to other policies and documents.
6.
7.
Principles and values supporting the policy.
8.
Goals and vision statement.
9.
Policy objectives.
10. Rights, responsibilities and obligations of young women and men.
11. Key strategies.
12. Priority target groups.
13. Implementation and coordination mechanisms.
Each of these features will be considered in detail below.
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
A.
FOREWORD
Frequently a youth policy document will include a foreword written by
the head of state, head of government or appropriate minister, introducing
and commending the policy. Such a statement provides an opportunity at a
significant political level to endorse the national importance of a national youth
policy, the formulation process that led to its creation and the key contribution
young men and women play in national development. For example, the
national importance of the Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the
Philippines is reflected in the fact that the document incorporates not only a
message from the President, but also words from the Secretary for SocioEconomic Planning and Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council.
B.
RATIONALE FOR THE POLICY
It is important to provide a clear explanation of the rationale for the national
youth policy and what it is intended to achieve. Some examples of rationales for
youth policies of countries within the ESCAP region are listed below.
Case study 1: Malaysia
The Malaysian Youth Council suggested that a new national youth
policy was needed in Malaysia to ’’provide the impetus and catalyst for
greater synergized efforts in the planning, marketing, implementing and
evaluating of youth development programmes”. The rationale was summa
rized in five key steps:
1.
Establish a holistic view, the main objectives, focus and basic
values of youth development.
2.
Identify the major target group(s) in youth development.
3.
Provide common and mutual understanding on the importance of
and areas of youth development among all concerned groups and
individuals.
4.
Provide a national framework for the development of youth
programmes and the determining of priorities.
5.
Create a means by which progress in youth development is
measured.
(Abdullah, 1998: 7)
Case study 2: Maldives
The rationale for the draft national youth policy of the Government of
the Republic of Maldives was clearly stated. The national youth policy was:
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
28
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
A framework for youth development. It endeavours to ensure all young
women and men are given every opportunity to reach their full potential,
both as individuals and as active participants in society. The Policy
addresses the major concerns and issues critical for young men and
women and gives direction to youth programmes and services provided
by governmental and non-governmental organizations. Through the
national youth policy, the Government declares the importance of the
active involvement of young people in national development. The Policy
demonstrates the distinctive and complementary roles of all government
ministries, the non-governmental sector and youth groups in youth
development and provides a framework with common goals for the
development of a spirit of cooperation and coordination.
(Maldives, 1997)
Case study 3: Samoa
The section of the draft national youth policy of Samoa entitled
“Background and Purpose” suggests that its national youth policy:
Emphasizes the importance of Samoan youth and their contribution
to national development. It is a further step in Samoa’s drive to
fully tap the vast resources which Samoan youth represent;
Presents a profile of youth, their needs, concerns and aspirations
and the agencies specifically committed to young people;
Provides a rallying point, a challenge to youth to mobilize their
talents and energies and participate fully in national development;
Aims to empower youth (physically, socially, economically and
spiritually) and provide the avenue for youth to help shape the
future of their families, community and the nation;
Encourages, indeed requests, that government and all Samoans
give priority attention to youth concerns and aims to generate a
spirit of cooperation between young and old;
Acknowledges the distinctive and complementary roles of govern
ments, NGOs and youth groups in youth development and provides
a framework for common goals and the development of a spirit of
cooperation and coordination between these groups;
Provides a call for concerted action by all ministries and depart
ments of government to identify and address youth needs and
responses and to mainstream youth policies in their sectoral plans;
Encourages strategic and forward thinking and provides the basis
and mechanisms for the monitoring and evaluation of youth policies
and programmes so that these reflect youth needs;
Emphasizes the importance of research on youth and the use of
this research data in planning.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
C. DEFINITION OF YOUTH
Most national youth policies attempt to define young people. The
selection of an appropriate age is, however, not an easy task. Some of the
factors that make defining “youth” a challenge include:
The different definitions of youth used within a country by various
groups;
The lack of international consensus;
The vast variations that generally exist between young people.
As the box below illustrates, the definition of youth age in the Asian and
Pacific region differs considerably. Youth can be defined as being aged
anywhere from 6 to 40 years old.
Definitions of youth age in the Asian and Pacific region
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Australia
Bangladesh
Brunei Darussalam
China
India
Malaysia
Maldives
Micronesia (Federated States of)
New Zealand
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Republic of Korea
Samoa
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Tonga
Vanuatu
Viet Nam
15-25 years
15-30 years
15-25 years
14- 28 years
13-35 years
15-40 years
16- 35 years
6-35 years
15-24 years
15-29 years
12-35 years
15-30 years
9-24 years
15-35 years
15-29 years
15-29 years
15-24 years
12-25 years
15-24 years
15-35 years
Commonwealth Youth Programme
United Nations
16-29 years
15-24 years
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
Flexibility of interpretation is the key to overcoming these difficulties of
age definition. This is illustrated by the following quotations from the youth
policies of Papua New Guinea and Maldives:
While there is no single definition of young men and women that would
be appropriate in the Papua New Guinea context, the policy is directed
to young people in the age range of 12 to 35 years. What is important
to remember is that the discussion of the contemporary realities must
be relevant to young people and it must be applied in a practical way to
the formulation of youth policies and strategies.
(Papua New Guinea, 1996)
The national youth policy is directed towards young males and females
who are aged from 16 to 35 years. Young people in this age range
require social, economic and political support to realise their full potential.
This is a time in life when most people are going through dramatic
changes in their life circumstances as they move from childhood to
adulthood. It is recognised, however, that there may be some people who
fall outside this range, but experience similar circumstances to young
people. This definition is, therefore, intended to indicate the primary target
group, without excluding those who may share similar circumstances.
The national youth policy also recognises that there are vast differences
to be found amongst young people. While some young men and women
are in school, others have completed school or left early; while some
are employed, others are unemployed; there are young people living on
remote islands and others in the comparatively urban environment of
Male; while some young women and men live with their parents, others
are themselves parents. Thus, the national youth policy endeavours to
provide a means whereby the development of all young people can be
promoted, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.
(Maldives, 1997)
While it is possible to define the age of youth, policy makers should be
aware of the tremendous variations in definition of the term “youth” and be
prepared to acknowledge that individuals may fall outside any general definition.
D. YOUTH PROFILE
Most national youth policies provide a profile of the young people of
their country. Such a profile often outlines the relationship between young
men and women and key national socio-economic parameters, as well as
providing insights into at least three basic questions:
Who are youth?
Where are youth?
What are youth doing?
31
03393
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
The answers to such questions are often summarized in the form of a
youth profile containing both quantitative and qualitative information. Examples
of quantitative information that might be collected include:
Youth population figures;
Urban, rural and regional distribution;
Ethnicity;
Literacy and education levels;
Labour force participation;
Unemployment levels;
Income levels;
Religious affiliation and participation;
Health status;
Family structures;
Recreational pursuits;
Crime participation rates.
Examples of qualitative information include:
Attitudinal surveys of young women and men which reflect their
perceptions, needs, concerns and preferences;
Focus group discussions;
Interviews and statements made by youth;
Case studies of individual young people and the challenges they
may confront.
To ensure brevity and maintain text flow, this profile is often presented
as an appendix to the national youth policy or offered as a separate
document.
E.
HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES WHICH
IMPACT ON YOUTH PARTICIPATION
Many national youth policies have incorporated sections detailing the
key issues that have historically limited youth opportunities and continue to do
so. Below is a summary of the issues identified by four countries within the
Asian and Pacific region: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Maldives and
Samoa.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
32
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
Key issues limiting youth opportunities
Country
Issue
Education and training
Maldives
Bangladesh
X
X
Brunei
Darussalam
Samoa
X
X
Changing economic
circumstances
Employment
opportunities
X
X
X
X
Urban and rural issues
and migration
X
X
X
X
Housing
X
X
X
X
X
X
Participation, leadership
and self-development
X
X
Environment
X
X
X
Family and parenthood
Health, lifestyle,
drug issues
International issues
X
X
Culture
Sports, recreation
X
Suicide
X
Information and
technology impact
Crime, delinquency,
domestic violence
X
X
X
The common issues listed above are quite similar to the 10 priority
areas of action identified by the World Programme of Action for Youth to the
Year 2000 and Beyond, which are:
1.
Education.
2.
Employment.
3.
Hunger and poverty.
4.
Health.
5.
Environment.
6.
Drug abuse.
7.
Juvenile delinquency.
8.
Leisure-time activities.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
9.
Girls and young women.
10. Full and effective participation of youth in the life of society and in
decision-making.
It is possible to group these issues into broader categories. The Youth
Research Centre in Melbourne has provided a useful framework for categoriz
ing issues relevant to youth policy formulation into three Ps: pathways,
personal and public participation. Pathways include those issues relating to
the structural paths, such as education, training and employment, that young
men and women require in their transition from childhood dependence to
adult independence. Personal issues are of a more private nature and include
topics such as health issues, drug dependence and leisure options. Finally,
public participation includes issues such as citizenship, empowerment and
participation in social decision-making.
F.
REFERENCE TO OTHER POLICIES AND DOCUMENTS
National youth policies need to be formulated within the context of
broader social, political and economic development. Accordingly, a national
youth policy may refer to fundamental national and international policy
documents such as:
The national constitution;
The national development plan;
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
It may also refer to specific sectoral policies such as the national
education policy or a specific labour code.
Case study 1: Papua New Guinea
The process of making the national youth policy of Papua New Guinea
provides a good example of how this system of referencing can work. Other
documents that were considered relevant to the draft youth policy included:
The national constitution;
The Christian Declaration of Youth and Development;
The Government National Development Strategy;
The National Youth Service Act;
The Corporate Plan of the Department of Home Affairs;
The National Social Development Policy for Social Services;
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
34
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
The National Women’s Policy;
The National NGO Policy.
The inclusion of such documents helps to provide a contextual
background for the policy formulation process and supports the value of the
endeavour.
G.
PRINCIPLES AND VALUES SUPPORTING THE POLICY
A national youth policy should include a section on its rationale or the
cultural values which support the policy. By consulting some regional
examples of these vision statements, a clearer understanding of how a vision
might be articulated emerges.
Case study 1: India
For example, the draft of the new national youth policy for India states:
National development is possible only on the basis of democratic values
and the principles of secularism, social justice, self-reliance and national
integration. The Policy, therefore, recognizes these interrelated values
and principles as its foundations.
Case study 2: Brunei Darussalam
The third draft of the national youth policy in Brunei Darussalam is
based upon the following underlying values and principles:
Values:
To practise and reinforce the values and beliefs contained in the nation’s
guiding concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy).
Principles:
To contribute to the development of a resilient and sustainable
economy, culture and society in Brunei Darussalam so that the
nation as a whole, and its young men and women in particular, are
able to cope with and benefit from rapid social, economic and
technological change without detriment to their personal and cultural
values.
To contribute to the building of self-awareness, solidarity, service to
others and social cohesiveness among the population of Brunei
Darussalam and among youth in particular.
[as]
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
To contribute to the fostering of the knowledge, skills and personal
attitudes required among people, especially youth, for national
development, for employment and for active and productive citizen
ship.
To help youth develop such essential personal qualities as selfreliance, leadership, initiative, confidence, commitment, enterprise
and creativity and to encourage the expression of these qualities in
a wide range of social and economic circumstances.
To enable youth to develop international awareness and understan
ding, so as to appreciate the place of Brunei Darussalam in ASEAN
[Association of Southeast Asian Nations] and wider Asian region.
(Brunei Darussalam, 1998)
Case study 3: Australia
The Australian youth policy states that:
The development and implementation of youth policy and programmes
should be based upon the following principles:
Equity:
Recognition of the rights and associated responsibilities, of all young
people to equality of opportunity and equitable distribution of services
and resources.
Participation:
Recognition that young people are participants in society and as such
have a role and responsibility in making decisions which affect their
lives.
Access:
Access to adequate and appropriate programmes and services by all
young people regardless of gender, geographic location, social,
cultural or economic circumstances.
(Australia, 1993)
As these examples clearly show, a section on values and principles
identifies the foundations, such as social justice, self-reliance, national
integration, self-awareness and solidarity, upon which the policy is based.
Within the ESCAP region the themes of equity, access and participation
are being increasingly recognized as key areas of focus.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
36
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
H.
GOALS AND VISION STATEMENT
Most national youth policies incorporate a statement of goals, which sets
out what the policy is intended to achieve. Such statements are generally
broad and qualitative, rather than quantitative, declarations. They often
describe a particular future desired for the nation’s youth.
Some typical goal statements from the region follow.
To establish a holistic and harmonious Malaysian youth force imbued
with strong spiritual and moral values, who are responsible, independent
and patriotic; thus serving as a stimulus to the development and
prosperity of the nation in consonance with the Vision 2020.
(Malaysia, 1997)
To meaningfully involve young men and women in the social, spiritual,
political, economic and cultural development of the country through their
active participation in the affairs of families and the activities of their
communities.
(Papua New Guinea, 1996)
There shall emerge a generation of more enlightened and empowered
Filipino youth who are value-driven, active as well as innovative, with a
strengthened belief in a Supreme Being and imbued with patriotism, yet
open to global competition and cooperation.
(Philippines, 1998)
Thailand, Singapore and the Republic of Korea have all adopted a unique
approach to developing a vision for the future of their young men and women.
Case study 1: Thailand
As part of its Eighth National Children and Youth Development Plan,
Thailand has adopted the following vision statement: “Children are the centre
of human capital development to attain intellectual maturity, generosity,
morality and happiness”.
Thailand has also identified ten desirable characteristics for its young
men and women. These are listed below.
Ten desirable characteristics for the
youth of Thailand
1.
Being loyal to one’s family.
2.
Possessing a healthy mind and body, a good personality, selfrespect, self-control and self-esteem.
s
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
3.
Having respect for the principles of one’s religion.
4.
Being able to communicate in more than one language.
5.
Believing in the constitutional monarchy, self-discipline, moderation
and patriotism.
6.
Recognizing one’s rights and duties under the constitution and
related laws and respecting other people.
7.
Being able to think critically, to see clearly, to employ technology
for self-reliance and to conserve energy.
8.
Valuing a simple life, possessing concern for society and the
environment and being self-sufficient in employment.
9.
Being environmentally conscious.
10. Striving for self-improvement.
Case study 2: Singapore
Although the Government of Singapore does not believe that there is a
need for a national youth policy, it does believe that there is a need to
articulate a vision for youth development in the twenty-first century. Accor
dingly, they are currently developing a vision of “World-Ready‘Youth” with the
following desired attributes:
Dare to Dream (inspiration)
Can Do (aspiration)
Never Say Die (resilience)
Walk The Talk (courage and integrity)
Serve By Doing (compassion)
Case study 3: the Republic of Korea
The “Youth Policy Towards the Year 2000” of the Republic of Korea
represents an innovative approach to youth policy and utilizes “The Youth
Model of the Twenty-First Century” as its basis. The model proposes the
following for Korean youth in the twenty-first century:
Youth with a cultural sense;
Youth with scientific ability and knowledge;
Youth with a spirit of cooperation and service;
Youth with a creative and adventurous spirit;
Youth with professional job skills;
Youth with a sense of internationalism.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
38
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
The policy also states:
The government is especially determined to develop and provide
programs for youths to participate in, so that youths may develop fully
their talent with their unlimited potential and culture their individual
personality appropriate for the democratic society of Korea, and further,
become creators of culture and value in the twenty-first century.
(Republic of Korea, 1998:2)
As these examples show, a variety of different goals and vision
statements may emerge depending on the country context.
I.
POLICY OBJECTIVES
A policy document may require a set of objective statements to
indicate how the goals of the policy are to be achieved. Ideally, policy
objectives should:
State the means by which broad goals will be realized;
Be derived directly from previously stated goals;
Identify what will be achieved, how, and when;
Provide a departure point and context for practical strategies.
Policy makers can use SMART (specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic and time-scheduled goals) objectives to help them target their policy
initiatives.
The youth policies of Brunei Darussalam and Papua New Guinea
provide two examples of useful regional practices.
Case study 1: Brunei Darussalam
The draft national youth policy of Brunei Darussalam includes four policy
objectives that flow from its goals and vision statement. They focus on the
personal needs and potential of the young people of the country. The policy
objectives are:
1.
To enable youth to appreciate the need for, and contribute to the
achievement of, a resilient and sustainable economy, culture and
society in Brunei Darussalam (based on Islamic principles and
practices).
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
2.
To enable youth to develop:
self-awareness and a
direction in their lives;
sense
of belonging,
purpose
and
an understanding of the need to work in solidarity with others;
an appreciation of the need for caring attitudes and service to
others in the community;
an ability to contribute to the cohesiveness of society in Brunei
Darussalam;
international understanding.
3.
To assist youth to the knowledge and skills needed if they are to
be able to:
contribute positively to national development;
find and keep employment;
engage in active and purposeful citizenship.
4.
To help youth develop the personal attitudes and qualities which
are essential in all aspects of everyday life and to encourage the
expression of these attitudes and qualities in a wide range of social
and economic circumstances. These attitudes and qualities include:
self-reliance;
leadership;
initiative;
confidence;
commitment;
enterprise;
creativity.
(Brunei Darussalam, 1998:10-11)
Case study 2: Papua New Guinea
The five objectives of the draft policy of Papua New Guinea focus on
both the personal development of young people and the organizational and
systemic support they require. They are:
1.
1
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
40
To facilitate and support the training, education and rehabilitation of
young men and women so as to improve the quality of their lives,
and the lives of their families and communities as they grow into
responsible adult citizens.
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
2.
To encourage and provide avenues for young men and women at
the local level to enter the workforce in order to create and
maintain a regular cash income.
3.
To improve and strengthen the communication and information
network which will enhance the self-organizing capabilities of young
men and women and link them to local, provincial, national and
international organizations of young people.
4.
To promote and encourage young men and women to have pride
and respect for the social, spiritual and cultural heritage of their
communities, through their active participation in community service
activities.
5.
To improve and strengthen the National Youth Commission to
enable it to address efficiently and effectively the changing needs of
young men and women at the local level.
(Papua New Guinea, 1996)
J.
RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS
OF YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN
Most national youth policies attempt to incorporate statements related to
the rights and privileges of young men and women. Some key reference
documents include:
The national constitution;
The national codes (such as the labour code);
The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights;
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;
International Labour Organization (ILO) resolutions concerning young
people;
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women;
The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
K.
KEY STRATEGIES
Priority youth development strategies need to be identified in youth
policies, in order that they can be addressed nationally. Such strategies
should flow directly from each policy objective. While each country will have a
unique set of key strategies, strong similarities are likely to exist between the
strategies of countries, particularly in the following areas:
41
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Education and training;
Employment;
Youth enterprise;
Health, lifestyle and population;
Youth participation;
Environment;
Gender;
Art, recreation, sports and leisure.
A clearer understanding of these patterns can be gained by looking at
a summary of the priority areas of five countries: Bangladesh, Brunei
Darussalam, India, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.
Country
Strategy\^
area
Bangladesh
Brunei
Darussalam
India
Papua
New
Guinea
Education and
training
X
X
X
X
X
Employment
Leadership,
participation
and citizenship
X
Personal
development
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Youth enterprise
X
Gender
X
X
X
X
Environment
Recreation,
sports and
culture
X
X
Science and
technology
X
Healthy lifestyles
X
International
understanding
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
X
X
Youth work
development
X
Youth work
coordination
X
42
Samoa
X
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
Some countries have gone beyond simply identifying priority needs and
have attempted to illustrate their strategies and promote specific programme
initiatives within their policies. For example, in the Philippines, three flagship
programmes were identified in the Medium-Term Youth Development Plan.
These were:
Kabataan 2000 - a programme that provides short-term employ
ment and training for young people in various fields;
Youth Enterprise Program;
Integrated Sangguniang Kabataan Organizational, Leadership and
Reorientation Program (ISKOLAR).
L.
PRIORITY TARGET GROUPS
While national youth policies are generally directed at meeting the
aspirations and needs of all young men and women, most of them identify
particular groups of young people requiring special attention.
The classification and description of these target groups varies widely
across the Asian and Pacific region, as illustrated by the examples below.
Priority target groups identified in national youth policies
Bangladesh:
Rural youth
Educational drop-outs
Unemployed young women
Distressed young women
Youth living with disabilities
Brunei Darussalam: Unemployed out-of-school youth
Unattached youth
Lackadaisical youth
Youth without self-reliance
Youth with negative family influence
Maldives:
Island-based young women and men
Young people not participating in the labour market
Young men and women without options
Philippines:
In-school youth
Out-of-school youth
Youth in the workforce
Special youth (ten categories)
Thailand:
Youth in difficult circumstances
Normal youth
Gifted youth
43
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
As well as these national differences there are also regional identifications
of target groups. Within the Asian and Pacific region the two groups that are
identified as priority target groups are girls and young women and rural youth.
Girls and young women in many countries of the ESCAP region constitute one
of the most at-risk and disadvantaged groups in society, as they are often
denied educational opportunities, access to health care and decision-making
capabilities. Similarly, rural young people are disadvantaged as a result of a
combination of factors, including poverty, a lack of access to land, illiteracy, a
lack of opportunities for stable work, isolation and unsanitary living conditions.
IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION MECHANISMS
M.
A national youth policy requires the creation of appropriate structures
and mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and cooperation and to ensure that
youth services and programmes are well coordinated and responsive to the
needs and opportunities of young people. Such structures and mechanisms
are often referred to within the body of the national youth policy document,
with details outlined in an appendix or in a separate document such as a
national youth action plan. They may include:
Government mechanisms for coordinating and implementing youth
affairs, including specification of the role of the lead government
agency and the actions needed to achieve a coordinated and
holistic government response to youth issues;
Mechanisms needed to ensure that recognition of, consultation with
and participation by young women and men remains ongoing;
Mechanisms that enhance coordination and cooperation between all
youth development stakeholders;
Mechanisms that highlight youth development;
Mechanisms to strengthen the capacity and professionalism of
workers with young people;
Formal mechanisms for the regular review and update of the
national youth policy.
N.
SUMMARY
The stages of the policy formulation process that have been reviewed in
Chapters I, II and III include:
The concept, rationale and benefits of
a national youth policy
The concept of a national youth policy
The rationale for a national youth policy
The benefits of a national youth policy
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
44
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
The formulation process of a national youth policy
llll^
Creating an appropriate policy development vehicle
Involving key stakeholders
Identifying the needs of young women and men
Using a participatory formulation process
Adopting the policy at the highest political level
llll^
The content of a national youth policy
1.
Foreword.
2.
Rationale for the policy.
3.
Definition of youth.
4.
Youth profile.
5.
Historical and contemporary issues which impact on youth participa
tion.
6.
Reference to other policies and documents.
7.
Principles and values supporting the policy.
8.
Goals and vision statement.
9.
Policy objectives.
10. Rights, responsibilities and obligations of young women and men.
11. Key strategies.
12. Priority target groups.
13. Implementation and coordination mechanisms.
Below is a summary of the stages discussed in Chapters I, II and III, which
can be used as a quick reference for the development of a national youth policy.
1.
Foreword
A foreword is:
Written by the head of state, head of government or appropriate
minister;
A public endorsement of the policy by high-level political figures;
A description of the formulation process, which ensures that it
remains a public and transparent initiative.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
2. Rationale for the policy
A rationale is:
A clear statement of both the purpose and intentions of the national
youth policy.
Definition of youth
3.
A definition of youth:
Serves as a guide to the target group;
Is as low as six years and as high as 40 years in the ESCAP
region;
Should be accompanied by an awareness that certain groups might
be excluded by the established parameters.
4. Youth profile
A youth profile:
Uses qualitative information (obtained through interviews and from
focus groups, for example) and quantitative information (compiled
from statistics on demography, literacy levels and educational
attainment) about youth to answer three basic questions:
Who are youth?
Where are youth?
What are youth doing?
5.
Historical and contemporary issues which
impact on youth participation
Issues which impact on youth participation:
Include employment opportunities, family, crime, education and
training, as well as broad categories such as personal issues and
public participation;
Should be identified by policy makers as they might be deeply
embedded in the social fabric of society and impede youth’s
participation within society.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
s
III. The Content of a National Youth Policy
6.
Reference to other policies and documents
A national youth policy should:
•
Be related to wider social, political and economic goals;
Refer to international policy documents or specific sectoral policies
that relate to youth.
7.
Principles and values supporting the policy
Principles and values supporting the policy:
•
Should be clearly stated;
Include access, equity and participation for youth in the ESCAP
region.
8. Goals and vision statement
A statement of goals is:
•
A broad and general qualitative statement setting out the desired
future and outcomes for youth.
9.
Policy objectives
Policy objectives:
•
Should be set out in a statement indicating how they are to be
achieved;
Should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic,
Time-scheduled;
Should encourage, promote and empower youth.
10.
Rights, responsibilities and obligations of
young women and men
The rights, responsibilities and obligations of young women and men:
•
Are stated in the policy in order that recognition is given to the fact
that young men and women have certain rights and privileges;
•
Include the right to freedom of expression, to adequate housing and
to political participation;
•
Include the duty to be a positive role model, to respect one’s elders
and to preserve the environment.
i A
47
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
11.
Key strategies
Key strategies:
Involve the identification of a particular area in need of focus, which
can occur through the targeting and tailoring of particular policies;
Include leadership, citizenship, participation, education and training,
and youth enterprise.
12.
Priority target groups
The two priority target groups within the ESCAP region are:
Girls and young women;
Rural youth.
13.
Implementation and coordination mechanisms
Implementation and coordinating mechanisms:
Are specified to show how the policy can be moved beyond the
ministry responsible for youth affairs;
Include having a national action plan and a specific national review
process.
What next?
In Chapters I, II and III the content of a national youth policy has been
examined. Chapter IV will focus on its implementation.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
IV
Implementing a National
Youth Policy
7 believe in action. In this world, it is not what you know that matters.
Rather, it is what you do with what you know that counts. Information
is valuable - action is invaluable.”
(James A. Balasco, Teaching the Elephant to Dance)
Even after an extensive consultation process it is possible for a national
youth policy to remain unimplemented, unknown and unread by the general
population, especially by the young women and men for whom it was designed.
To ensure that the national youth policy remains relevant and becomes
the framework for community and national youth development, youth develop
ment planners should consider:
1.
Promoting the policy.
2.
Formulating an accompanying national youth action plan.
3.
Creating appropriate mechanisms for implementation and coordi
nation of the policy.
4.
Reviewing and monitoring the policy.
5.
Mainstreaming the policy.
A. PROMOTING A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
A youth policy should reach a mass audience. Creative and innovative
promotional efforts are therefore necessary. The handbook to the Common
wealth’s National Youth Policy 2000 provides some useful ideas on how to
ensure a youth policy has large-scale appeal. These include:
Using eye-catching graphics, illustrations and titles;
Using clear and simple language;
Selecting covers and bindings with colors that will attract attention;
Including a glossary of terms and a list of abbreviations.
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
A number of countries have launched national campaigns aimed at
promoting general awareness and understanding of newly released national
youth policies. Such campaigns, run by a national youth policy promotion
team, have included:
Activities to raise awareness of the existence and content of the
policy;
Regional workshops for representatives of youth agencies and local
workers with young people;
Direct contact with young people to popularize the policy among
young men and women by targeting youth gathering points such as
the workplace, schools, sporting events and youth centres, as well
as by organizing events which appeal to young people, such as
those involving music, street theatre and art.
The handbook of the Commonwealth Youth Programme presents a list
of useful suggestions for the design and implementation of a media promo
tional strategy for the release of a national youth policy. These include:
Preparing and distributing a press release
The press release should stress the national significance of the
policy and include a summary of the document. It should contain a
statement from the most appropriate government leader (such as
the president or the minister for youth affairs) and be released to
all media outlets.
Organizing a national launch
Ideally this would involve the head of state and be supported by
the minister for youth affairs. Further provincial launches may also
be required.
Using electronic media to disseminate information
This could involve ministers for youth affairs and key government
officials explaining and discussing the content and implications of
the national youth policy on television, radio and video cassette.
Preparing specific national youth policy statements
Such statements would be for inclusion in key publications targeting
young women and men and those working with young people.
Preparing short advertisements
If funds or sponsorship were available for them, advertisements
could be used to outline the key themes of the policy, as well as to
provide contact details for those wishing to receive copies of the
policy.
I
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
50
IV. Implementing a National Youth Policy
Within the ESCAP region, Malaysia has been creative in both promoting
and soliciting feedback on their new policy.
The government created a
special home page on the World Wide Web and maximized its use of the
print media. Most newspapers printed segments or summaries of the new
policy, and one national newspaper reproduced the entire policy.
B.
FORMULATING AN ACCOMPANYING NATIONAL
YOUTH ACTION PLAN
A national youth action plan should be drawn up to complement the
national youth policy and should outline in practical detail how the policy will
be implemented. Such an action plan can be a holistic and comprehensive
statement that incorporates all relevant stakeholders. The preparation of a
national youth action plan is crucial to the successful implementation of the
national youth policy.
The handbook to the Commonwealth Youth Programme (1996) states
that a national action plan is:
A cooperative expression of key government and non-governmental
agencies concerned with youth development;
A gender-sensitive practical statement on the implementation of the
national youth policy, reflecting the direction, priorities and strategy
areas of the policy;
A document which clearly defines the specific actions that will be
undertaken, when they will be undertaken and by whom;
An indication of what resources will be required to effectively
undertake these actions.
(Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1996)
Some countries have incorporated both a policy and an action plan
within the same statement. Maldives has demonstrated a strong commitment
to, and perseverance in, ensuring the implementation of their national youth
policy. Below is a summary of their activities.
Case study 1: Maldives
With support from the United Nations Development Programme, a
national youth action plan is being prepared to provide a framework for youth
policy implementation over a three-year period. This involves:
Formulating a
of the policy;
holistic government response to the key strategies
51
08
□
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Strengthening the lead government agency (Ministry of Youth and
Sports) in terms of programme initiatives and staffing;
Creating appropriate structures for the coordination of youth affairs;
Devising mechanisms to build capacity within the youth develop
ment field to ensure implementation of the national youth policy and
national action plan;
Instigating a base line survey to monitor qualitative and quantitative
changes in youth attitudes and opportunities.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Maldives has responsibility for
drafting the national youth action plan.
The text below summarizes the
structure used to define the “What? When? Why? and How?” of the action plan.
National youth action plan structure of Maldives
Specify policy objectives
Each policy objective in the national youth policy will be clearly
identified with a specific set of actions (such as programmes,
projects or strategies). Policy objectives provide the rationale for
each action.
Programmes, projects and strategies
Initiatives may take the form of formal programmes, individual
projects or specific strategies.
They represent a set of actions
which, when implemented, will help achieve policy goals and
objectives. These will be described in detail to demonstrate how
they will work to address the objectives of the national youth policy.
Action steps
A detailed description of the actual activities and tasks to be
undertaken to implement the programme, project or strategy.
Action steps represent the “to do” list regarding successful imple
mentation of the strategy.
Target group
Each action will be directed at a specific group. These groups will
be clearly identified.
Expected outcomes
It will be necessary to describe the anticipated outcomes of these
actions.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
52
IV. Implementing a National Youth Policy
Responsible agency
The agency responsible for the overall implementation and coordi
nation of the action will be identified.
Support agencies
While one agency may hold responsibility for the coordination and
implementation of the action, there may be a number of other
agencies involved. These will be identified.
Time frame
The plan will indicate when the action will occur and over what
period of time.
Resource implications
The resources (financial, personnel, equipment, support manage
ment, supervision, infrastructure etc.) will be quantified.
Performance indicators
Each action shall have a set of measurable performance indicators
that can be used to evaluate and monitor the degree of success.
The example of Maldives provides key reminders for formulating an
action plan. It should be:
A strategic and inclusive exercise;
A cooperative expression of key government and non-governmental
agencies concerned with youth development;
Based on the goals and objectives of the national youth policy and
should represent a holistic response to the needs of young men
and women;
Recognize all the key groups involved in youth development and
ensure that they are integrated into an overall structure and work
plan.
C.
CREATING APPROPRIATE MECHANISMS FOR
IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION OF
A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
Providing resources to meet the needs of youth should be a matter of
priority. It is important to create appropriate mechanisms for implementation
and coordination of the national youth policy at the outset of the formulation
process to ensure that appropriate follow-up action takes place.
E
ft
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Case study 1: India
The new national youth policy of India envisages a comprehensive set
of implementation mechanisms. These are detailed below.
Each ministry or department of the central and state governments
will be obliged to make identifiable allocations in their budgets for
young people;
A parliamentary standing committee will review all programmes for
young people;
The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, under the guidance
of a parliamentary standing committee, will act as the focal
department for all programmes affecting youth and oversee the
implementation of youth schemes and the proper implementation
of all the provisions of this policy;
An interlinkage mechanism will ensure the coordination of the activities
of all the central and state government ministries or departments and
of the community-based and youth organizations participating in all the
schemes and programmes having an impact on youth;
A national youth development fund will be created, with contribu
tions from central government and non-governmental organizations.
This fund will be utilised for youth development activities and
contributions to it will be exempt from income tax.
The coordination of national youth policy implementation in most
countries has become a function of the national lead agency for youth affairs.
Youth affairs agencies often fail to bring about significant levels of change for
youth for the reasons given below.
Youth ministries are often accorded low political status;
Youth ministries usually have low budgets;
Youth ministries tend to be incorporated into ministries with only
peripheral activities concerning young people, such as culture,
recreation and sports; this linkage serves to reinforce an image that
key youth issues are related to leisure, when in reality youth issues
involve many other areas.
For a national lead agency or coordination mechanism to function
effectively it must have:
A commitment to, and adequate instruments for, furthering national
youth policy objectives;
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
54
IV. Implementing a National Youth Policy
•
The capacity to coordinate ongoing activities and to identify areas
requiring particular attention in the development effort;
•
An ability to maintain proper organizational balance in terms of
sufficient government, non-government and youth representation.
Below are several case studies describing what countries are doing
within the region to ensure that youth issues are accorded a significant level
of political status.
Case study 2: the Philippines
The Philippines is the one exception within the ESCAP region, a country
which has accorded significant political status to youth. The national policy
focus for young people is enshrined in the Philippine constitution of 1987,
which states that:
The State recognizes the vital role of youth in nation-building and shall
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social
well-being. It shall inculcate in youth patriotism and nationalism and
encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
(Article II,
Section 13)
The Republic Act No. 8044 (1995) created the necessary mechanisms
for the realization of these ideals, namely a National Youth Commission, a
National Comprehensive and Coordinated Program on Youth Development, an
Advisory Council on Youth Affairs and a Youth Parliament.
The National Youth Commission has been given a major
development mandate with seventeen specific functions, including:
youth
Formulating and initiating the national policy or policies on youth;
Planning, implementing and overseeing a national integrated youth
promotion and development program;
Establishing a consultative mechanism, which will provide a forum
for continuing dialogue between the government and the youth
sector on the proper planning and evaluation of policies,
programmes and projects affecting youth.
The executive director of the National Youth Commission is appointed
by the President and also serves as presidential youth adviser and member
of the cabinet. The National Youth Commission also plays a significant
coordination role through such tasks as:
Participating as a member of the panel of the Department of Budget
and Management in the review of all budgets of line ministries;
55
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Acting as convener of an advisory council involving the secretaries
of key youth line ministries and the chairmen of both senate and
house committees dealing with youth.
Case study 3: Australia
Australia is another country that provides guidance on effective imple
mentation processes. It has established a national youth bureau within the
National Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The objectives
of the youth bureau are described below.
Objectives of the youth bureau
To help ensure that the government’s policies meet the needs of
young people;
To provide leadership in research and analysis on youth issues;
To facilitate
government;
communication
between
young
people
and
the
To design and manage services and programmes to maximize
young people’s participation in the Australian community.
The Australian youth bureau has also created a mechanism for the
ongoing monitoring of youth issues and needs, and for continuous input into
youth policy formulation and programme action. This mechanism involves a
national network of 41 youth officers across the country, who are responsible
for gathering and analysing information on the needs and concerns of
Australia’s young men and women. This national network provides the
minister responsible for youth affairs with an accurate source of youth affairs
intelligence across the whole government and assists in policy and action
formulation. The current priorities of the youth officers include:
Facilitating and/or developing effective national consultation mecha
nisms, both with young people themselves and policy makers in
the youth sector, including local and state government and
Commonwealth agencies, as well as the non- governmental sector;
Promoting positive images of young people with a view to improving
community perceptions of Australia’s young people;
Maximizing the effective use of resources within the youth sector
through monitoring the delivery of Commonwealth youth services,
reducing duplication and forming strategic alliances;
Responding to government demands and priorities,
priority issues and resolving problems as they arise;
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
56
identifying
IV. Implementing a National Youth Policy
Addressing needs and identifying gaps and opportunities in youth
affairs and assisting in the development of policy solutions which
incorporate a wide range of perspectives.
Case study 4: Singapore
Since 1989 Singapore has had a national youth council as the
central coordinating body for youth affairs. The mission of this youth
council is to “create opportunities for youth to maximize their potential and
contribution to society”. Its first responsibility is “to assist in the formulation
of a national youth policy”. The national youth council represents key
stakeholders from government, NGOs and the private sector. Its chair
person is the Minister for National Development and its 22 members
represent various government ministries, statutory boards and the major
youth organizations.
To summarize
While these country examples reveal some innovative regional
initiatives designed to facilitate the effective implementation of youth
policies and action plans, it is important to remember that there is a
whole range of stakeholders in the youth development process. National
youth policies and action plans should therefore promote the active partici
pation of non-governmental organizations and establish a clear framework
for their activities. As the ESCAP national youth policy assessment paper
states:
An important role of youth policy, in addition to providing an overall
framework and direction for youth activities, is to promote the involve
ment of a wide range of actors, including government, NGOs, the
private sector and youth themselves ... By setting up a clear but broad
framework for programme development, a youth policy serves as an
effective instrument for mobilizing the different parties concerned in a
country, particularly youth organizations, in planning and implementing
youth programmes.
(ESCAP, 1998a: 7)
In order to maximize mobilization efforts, some countries are focusing
on ensuring private sector involvement. Within the Philippines, for example,
the private sector has manifested their support for the Medium-Term Youth
Development Plan by expressing interest in assisting with youth
programmes and projects. Such collaboration between government and the
private sector maximizes the potential for success of policy and strategy
implementation.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
By establishing a clear and broad framework for programme develop
ment, a national youth policy and action plan can mobilize and synergize a
wide range of stakeholders committed to youth development.
D.
REVIEWING AND MONITORING A NATIONAL
YOUTH POLICY
A national youth policy must clearly articulate the mechanisms and
timeline for regular review and monitoring of the national youth policy.
Case study 1: the Philippines
The Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the Philippines for the
period 1999-2004 provides an excellent example of an initiative which seeks
to express achievements and challenges in quantitative terms. The Plan
enables progress to be measured through a survey on the satisfaction of
youth with schooling facilities and through monitoring the increase in the
government budget allocation for education. It also stresses the importance of
periodic reviews of youth policy, which are necessary not only to assess the
status of implementation of youth policies and programmes, but also to
review and update information on the economic, social, legislative and
physical environment that affects the implementation of policies and
programmes. The Plan not only evaluates the status of implementation of
programmes through various surveys, including a survey on the satisfaction of
youth, but also identifies implementation bottlenecks and determines why
certain programmes have not produced satisfactory results.
Consideration must also be given in national youth policies and action
plans to establishing effective coordination between stakeholders. This
coordination is enhanced through the creation of special institutional arrange
ments and procedures. Across the region, such arrangements have taken a
variety of forms according to national political administrative traditions and
preferences. Stakeholder groups have often involved key youth-related
ministries and agencies, non-governmental agencies, the private sector and
young men and women. There is clearly a need for government support for
the formation and strengthening of national consultation and coordination
platforms, such as national youth councils and committees, which bring
together representatives of key stakeholders, especially youth NGOs, student
groups and young people themselves, to participate meaningfully in formu
lating, implementing and evaluating national youth policies.
Case study 2: Malaysia
Malaysia has a long history of national youth consultation and coordi
nation. Since 1972 a national youth consultative council has met at least
twice a year. Its objectives and membership are detailed below.
< /Ik
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
IV. Implementing a National Youth Policy
Objectives and membership
of the national youth consultative council of Malaysia
To monitor the implementation of the national youth policy;
To advise the Minister for Youth and Sports on formulating policies
for youth development;
To act as a consultative and advisory body to youth organizations
and the state youth consultative councils;
To coordinate the planning and activities of all youth organizations
and the state youth consultative councils.
The Minister for Youth and Sports chairs the Council and its members
comprise the following:
E.
1.
Members of the supreme council of the Malaysian youth council.
2.
Members of the executive committee of the Malaysian youth council.
3.
Chairpersons of state youth consultative councils.
4.
Ten representatives from other federal government agencies.
5.
Ten experts appointed by the Minister for Youth and Sports.
6.
Three resource persons reporting on specific issues.
7.
Senior officers of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and directors of
state youth and sports departments.
8.
Director-General of Youth, Ministry of Youth and Sports.
9.
Secretary-General, Malaysian Youth Council.
MAINSTREAMING A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
Mainstreaming youth policies is a vital consideration. While the majority
of countries accept that a national youth policy should be formulated in such
a way as to be independent of other documents and legislation, they also
recognize that it is important for such policies to be integrated into plans for
overall national development.
This imperative was articulated in the ESCAP resource paper entitled
“Assessment of National Youth Policies for Further Implementation of the World
Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond”, which states:
Youth policy needs to be related to and coordinated with other sectoral
policies and integrated into the national strategy for development. It is
essential that the particular needs and problems of youth should be
considered an integral part of national planning and policy-making. A
major step towards integration is to ensure that youth policy is not
59
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
isolated from the other objectives of the national development plan, but
incorporated in the mainstream sectors of the plan. A national youth
policy should not be treated as a separate plan for young people. It
should cut across sectoral lines so that the needs of youth and the
implications of policies on youth are duly recognized in each of the
sectoral development plans. Without the mainstreaming of national youth
policy, backed by an appropriate budget allocation and infrastructure for
implementation, policy formulation can become a futile exercise.
(ESCAP, 1998a: 11)
Integrating national youth policies into national planning is essential, yet
little significant integration has occurred. Pakistan and Malaysia are two
countries which have incorporated specific chapters on youth into their
national development plans. Examples of other countries in the region which
have done so are given below.
Case study 1: Thailand
In Thailand the period stipulated for the youth policy was made to
coincide with that of the national development plan in an effort to mainstream
youth policy in the national economic and social development plan. More
recently, the same participatory process was used for the formulation of the
youth development plan as was used for the formulation of the eighth
five-year plan (1997-2001).
Two parallel processes were used, namely
government review and people’s participation through NGO representation.
The governmental process was coordinated by the national youth bureau, the
highest-level government agency responsible for youth affairs, which focused
on the strategies needed to develop the desirable human qualities identified in
the eighth five-year plan. The objective of the non-governmental process was
to develop an action plan at grass-roots level, based on a survey of the youth
situation at the provincial level. The two processes converged towards the
end of the planning process, at the stage of preparation of the draft
documents.
Case study 2: New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Ministry of Youth Affairs was created to promote a
coherent set of government youth-related policies and this remains the focus
of the Ministry’s work. The Ministry recognizes that there is a range of
government ministries and departments responsible for the development of
policies that impact directly or indirectly on young women and men as they
move through adolescence to adulthood.
It therefore provides resources
which promote coordination in youth policy development and which can be
used not only by the Ministry itself for determining work priorities, but also by
other government agencies in their youth-related endeavours.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
60
IV. Implementing a National Youth Policy
The Ministry has also produced several excellent tools to assist in
specific and sectoral youth policy development, including a youth policy matrix
and a framework for assessing policies for young people. This youth policy
framework for analysis integrates the following three approaches:
1.
Strategic alignment (top down)
This involves identifying the strategic objectives relative to the issue
of the government and ensuring policies are consistent with them.
2.
Critical issues (bottom up)
This involves identifying critical issues affecting the population and
evaluating the effectiveness of current policies in addressing them.
3.
Linkages (horizontal)
This involves identifying similar policies with similar target groups
and testing their consistency and the linkages between them.
F.
SUMMARY
The stages of the policy formulation process that have been reviewed in
Chapters I, II, III and IV include:
llll^
The concept, rationale and benefits of a national
youth policy
The concept of a national youth policy
The rationale for a national youth policy
The benefits of a national youth policy
11114-
The formulation process of a national youth policy
Creating an appropriate policy development vehicle
Involving key stakeholders
Identifying the needs of young women and men
Using a participatory formulation process
Adopting the policy at the highest political level
The content of a national youth policy
Foreword
Rationale for the policy
E
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Definition of youth
Youth profile
Historical and
participation
contemporary
issues
which
impact
on
youth
Reference to other policies and documents
Principles and values supporting the policy
Goals and vision statement
Policy objectives
Rights, responsibilities and obligations of young women and men
Key strategies
Priority target groups
Implementation and coordination mechanisms.
Implementing a national youth policy
1.
Promoting a national youth policy.
2.
Formulating an accompanying national youth action plan.
3.
Creating appropriate mechanisms for implementation and coordi
nation of a national youth policy.
4.
Reviewing and monitoring a national youth policy.
5.
Mainstreaming a national youth policy.
To ensure that a policy is effectively implemented the following
strategies for success should be considered.
1.
Promoting a national youth policy
Questions to keep in mind include:
Is the policy being disseminated in a way that reaches youth?
What strategies can be used to reach as many of the different
stakeholders as possible?
How can media resources be maximized? (Ideas to explore include
a national youth policy promotion team, press releases, a national
and regional launch and the use of electronic media.)
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
62
IV. Implementing a National Youth Policy
2.
Formulating an accompanying national youth action plan
An action plan is:
A cooperative effort;
A strategic and inclusive exercise;
Based on the goals and objectives of the national youth policy;
A holistic and synergistic response by all agencies;
A declaration which ensures that key agencies are integrated in a
focused and targeted way.
3. Creating appropriate mechanisms for implementation
and coordination of a national youth policy
To avoid duplication and ensure that youth needs are being met as
efficiently and as effectively as possible an appropriate policy mechanism has
to include:
Adequate budget allocations;
High-level political support and coordination (this could be esta
blished by the creation of specific laws for youth or designating
youth a recognized category within the national constitution);
Strong networks that can be mobilized, such as a national youth
network, regional policy dialogues and local, regional and national
roundtables.
4.
Reviewing and monitoring a national youth policy
Questions to consider include:
Are local, regional and national initiatives well coordinated?
How often do different stakeholders meet?
Are there opportunities for the youth policy to be reviewed?
Are there strategies within the policy itself which allow for review?
Does the evaluation of the national youth policy allow for change?
5.
Mainstreaming a national youth policy
Ideally a national youth policy should be able to be integrated into the
broader sphere of policy, allowing for greater recognition and the possibility of
more widespread action. Questions to consider include:
63
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Is the national youth policy cross-sectoral?
Does the national youth policy coincide with the general policies of
the nation in terms of planning and goals?
It should be remembered that when you invest in youth, you invest in
the basic infrastructure of the entire society.
What next?
The next stage of the policy formulation process is measuring the
effectiveness of a policy. In Chapter V some suggestions for this are
discussed.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
64
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
V
Measuring the Effectiveness
of a National Youth Policy
“Evaluation is by feedback, not by autopsy.
(Karen Day)
An international review of the national youth policy formulation and
implementation process reveals that little attention has been paid to
evaluating the effectiveness of national youth policies. A major challenge for
policy makers is therefore to develop tools to measure the qualitative and
quantitative impact of youth policy initiatives. Some examples of tools that
have been developed for this purpose are given below.
A.
DEVELOPING A SET OF KEY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
CHECKLIST INDICATORS
Youth development checklist indicators are measurements that show
the situation of youth in a country, Indicators are benchmarks or vital signs
which, when assessed together, provide a comprehensive picture of a
nation’s commitment to and progress towards youth well-being and development. A number of resource tools listed below, can be used to develop a
set of national indicators.
The ESCAP Youth Participation Manual.
The Commonwealth Youth Programme is developing a
Development Index that should be available in early 2000.
Youth
The Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the
Braga Youth Action Plan (1998) (detailed in annexes 2 and 3) are
useful checklists for the evaluation and construction of functional
youth development indicators.
The list of indicators developed at a national youth policy and
programme regional consultative meeting for Asian Commonwealth
countries, held at Colombo in October 1995, is comprehensive. It
includes youth participation, unemployment, health, literacy, social
behaviour, youth usage of services, stakeholder satisfaction, govern
ment commitment, equity and access for youth subgroups and
awareness in society of youth issues.
65
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
The Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the Philippines is an
excellent regional model. It seeks to express achievements and
challenges in quantitative terms. It not only evaluates the status of
implementation through various surveys, including a youth satisfac
tion survey, but also identifies implementation bottlenecks and
determines why certain action programmes have failed to produce
satisfactory results.
The I.D.E.A.S. (Initiatives for the Development of Enterprising Action
and Strategies) group in Australia has developed a checklist for
effective youth participation, outlined below:
Checklist for effective youth participation
Youth participation should:
Be by choice;
Be enjoyable, challenging and fun;
Maximize decision-making by young people and their accountability;
Promote maturity;
Raise young people’s awareness of social, political, economic,
cultural and personal aspects that affect them;
Create opportunities for young women and men to influence
decisions;
Involve experiences respected by young people, peers and the
community;
Make sense of and demystify adult structures and processes;
Involve training and skills development;
Involve planning, via the development of goals and strategies;
Provide opportunities for building active support relationships
between young men and women and the community;
Provide young people with a sense of belonging and ownership
in the process;
Provide critical analysis and feedback of the experience and the
actions within the process;
Involve adequate resources including time, space, funding and
information to encourage collective action at all times and assist
the development of linkages between networks of young women
and men.
(Kenyon, 1998)
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
66
V. Measuring the Effectiveness of a National Youth Policy
B.
USING SPECIFIC TARGETS
Youth action plans often identify specific development targets. The
various flagship programmes in the Philippines, for example, have specific
and measurable targets. The Youth Entrepreneurship Program had a medium
term target of training 1,500 young people, 700 of these being subsequently
able to start their own businesses.
C.
INTRODUCING AN ANNUAL YOUTH AUDIT
An annual youth audit could consist of reports from all the relevant
agencies on the success of the implementation of the national youth policy
and action plan. Using external evaluations is vital to ensure an objective
approach. Some countries have also discussed the possibility of such audit
information being collated and used to formulate a statement called an
“Annual State of the Country’s Young Men and Women”. This could then be
published and presented to the public annually on a national youth day.
D.
ESTABLISHING BASELINE DATA
It is essential to create a long-term strategy to collect data on the
well-being and development of young people on a continuous basis. For this
to occur, a standardized set of baseline data needs to be collected.
However, the youth data collection capacity of many countries needs atten
tion. In particular, many of the lead agencies for youth affairs in the Asian
and Pacific region have limited information-gathering capacity at the national
and provincial levels. Nor is there sufficient coordination in or uniformity of
data-collection and evaluation methodologies among government agents and
between governmental and non-governmental organizations. It is therefore
important to gather baseline data about the country situation of youth.
E.
SUMMARY
The entire youth policy formulation process has been discussed in
chapters I, II, III, IV and V. The various stages of the process are summa
rized below.
The concept, rationale and benefits of
a national youth policy
The concept of a national youth policy;
The rationale for a national youth policy;
The benefits of a national youth policy.
s
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
1111^
The formulation process of a national youth policy
Creating an appropriate policy development vehicle;
Involving key stakeholders;
Identifying the needs of young women and men;
Using a participatory formulation process;
Adopting the policy at the highest political level.
Illl^
The content of a national youth policy
Foreword;
Rationale for the policy;
Definition of youth;
Youth profile;
Historical and
participation;
contemporary
issues
which
impact
on
youth
Reference to other policies and documents;
Principles and values supporting the policy;
Goals and vision statement;
Policy objectives;
Rights, responsibilities and obligations of young women and men;
Key strategies;
Priority target groups;
Implementation and coordination mechanisms.
1111^-
Implementing a national youth policy
Promoting a national youth policy;
Formulating an accompanying national youth action plan;
Creating appropriate mechanisms for implementation and coordina
tion of the national youth policy;
Reviewing and monitoring a national youth policy;
Mainstreaming a national youth policy.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
68
V. Measuring the Effectiveness of a National Youth Policy
Measuring the effectiveness of a national
youth policy
1.
Developing a set of key youth development checklist indicators.
2.
Using specific targets.
3.
Introducing an annual youth audit.
4.
Establishing baseline data.
The benefits of the tools suggested for measuring the effectiveness of a
national youth policy are briefly reviewed below.
1.
Developing a set of key youth development
checklist indicators
Indicators should help to indicate the past, present and future
situation of youth. They should also frame what is to be measured
and how.
2.
Using specific targets
Targets can be strict and guided. Using target numbers to establish
goals should inspire and encourage action.
3.
Introducing an annual youth audit
Reports from youth agencies on the success of actions undertaken
on behalf of youth can help ensure the maintenance of a
transparent and rich dialogue on youth issues.
4.
Establishing baseline data
Quantitative data collection ensures not only that the youth situation
is monitored systematically, but may also help determine where
funds for youth can and should be allocated.
Quantitative data also provides a basis for measuring achievements.
Standardizing data collection on youth allows for stronger national,
regional and international coordination and cooperation.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Conclusion
“We do not inherit our world from our parents, we borrow it from our
young people”
(Old Native American statement)
A number of common themes emerge from international review and
observation and provide important lessons for the processes of formulation,
implementation and evaluation of national youth policies. These underline the
need for:
Policies to be multisectoral and intersectoral in nature;
Commitment from the highest political levels;
Contributions from key stakeholders;
The ongoing development of data on the situation of young people;
Mechanisms and budgets that can ensure adequate levels of
participation by young men and women;
National youth policy formulation to be accompanied by national
youth action plans;
Attention to be paid to style, language and promotion mechanisms;
Mainstreaming youth policies into national development policies and
initiatives;
Adequate implementation resources;
Attention to be paid
performance indicators;
to
the
identification
and
evaluation
of
Ongoing monitoring and review of national youth policies and action
plans.
Finally, the Commonwealth Youth Programme states that the eventual
status of a national youth policy will be judged by its ability:
To be a statement that gives young men and women faith in the future;
To be a vision for youth development;
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
To be an opportunity for young men and women to shape their
own future, assume responsibilities and play an active role in the
life of their country and community;
To be a statement of values and principles;
To be a gender-sensitive and holistic response to the needs and
aspirations of both young men and women;
To be a vehicle based on the idealism, commitment, energy and
creativity of young men and women;
To be an instrument to raise the profile of young men and women
within the government and the wider community;
To be a statement of the relationship between young people and
national goals;
To be a framework for future action;
To be a catalyst for communication, cooperation and coordination
between government and non-governmental agencies concerned
with youth development;
To be a document of relevance for all concerned for, and involved
with, young men and women;
To be a benchmark to review youth policy and programme
relevance and achievement.
It is hoped that the national youth policy formulation process described
in this Manual will, together with these concluding remarks, encourage policy
makers to improve the situation of youth within their countries.
It is further hoped that a positive environment in which youth can
continue to grow, develop and be inspired can be cultivated by the adoption
of these ideas for improvements in the planning, formulation, implementation,
monitoring and resource-sharing of youth policies.
For it is the energy and the commitment of youth that will carry this
region forward in the new century.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
72
ICY
YOUTH POLL,.
FORMULATION
References
Abdullah, S., 1998. Strengthening Youth Agenda: Implementation Through
Empowerment (Malaysian Youth Council).
Alam, Mohammed Shahidul, 1997. “National youth policy: challenges for the
twenty-first century”, paper presented at seminar organized by
Department of Youth Development (Bangladesh, November).
Angel, W., 1995. The International Law of Youth Rights: Source Documents
and Commentary (Martinus Nijhoff Publishers).
Australia, 1993. An Australian Youth Policy: A Statement of Principles and
Objectives (Canberra).
Australia, Commonwealth Department of Employment, Training and Youth
Affairs, Youth Bureau, 1998. Initiatives of the Commonwealth Govern
ment for Young People in Australia (May).
Brunei Darussalam, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, 1998. Our Youth
- Our Future: The National Youth Policy of Brunei Darussalam (Third
Draft, August).
Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1990. Approaching Youth Policy (London).
, Asia Centre, 1992. Youth Policy and Its Implementation (Chandigarh).
, Asia Centre, 1996. Consultative Meeting of Senior Officials on Youth
Policies and Programmes: Report (Chandigarh).
_, 1996.
Youth Policy 2000: Formulating and Implementing National
Youth Policies: A Commonwealth Handbook (London).
, 1998.
CYP Update: National Youth Policy 2000.
, 1998.
Towards 2000 (London).
, 1998. Youth Empowerment in the New Millennium: the Common
wealth Plan of Action on Youth Empowerment to the Year 2005
(London).
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), 1981.
Guidelines for National Youth Policies in the Pacific Countries (Bangkok).
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
1994. Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in
the ESCAP Region (ST/ESCAP/1406).
1996. Guidelines for Implementing the Agenda for Action on Social
Development in the ESCAP Region (Bangkok).
, 1996.
Policy and Programme Perspectives in Implementing the
Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region. (ST/
ESCAP/1714.)
, 1997.
Review of the Youth Situation, Policies and Programmes in
Asia and the Pacific.
_, 1998a. Assessment of National Youth Policies for Further Imple
mentation of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000
and Beyond (E/ESCAP/HRDY(2)/2.)
1998b. “Report of the Second Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting
on Human Resources Development for Youth” (E/ESCAP/1134).
, 1999. Review of Structure and Delivery of Youth and Sports
Services in Vanuatu (April).
Ewen, J., 1987. Guidelines on national youth policy (unpublished).
1994. “Youth Participation: Concepts and Structures”. Youth Studies
(Australia, Spring issue).
1995. “Coordination in Youth Affairs”. Youth Studies (Australia, Spring
issue).
India, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, 1999.
Youth Policy.
Draft New
National
Irving, Mauders and Sherrington, 1995. Youth in Australia: Policy, Administra
tion and Politics (Melbourne, McMillan).
Kenyon, P., 1998. Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation of National
Youth Policies: An International Overview (I.D.E.A.S. (Initiatives for the
Development of Enterprising Action and Strategies), York, Western
Australia, June).
Kick, C., 1998. Mobilising Resources for Youth and Development in the
Pacific (Yu No Komplen, Yu Organaes) (ESCAP).
Local Government Association of Queensland Inc., 1997. Bikes, Boards and
Strategic Plans: Including Young People in the Business of Total
Government (Brisbane).
POLICY
LATION
74
References
Malaysia, Ministry of Youth and Sports. 1997. Deraf Pembangunan Sar
Belia Negara (National Youth Development Policy).
Maldives, 1997. National Youth Policy: Third Draft (July).
New South Wales, 1998.
(Sydney).
Focus on Young People: NSW Youth Policy
New Zealand, Ministry of Youth Affairs, 1996. A Guide to Realising the
Potential for Government Departments and Agencies: Developing and
Analysing Government Youth Policies in New Zealand (Wellington).
, 1996. Realising the Potential: A Status Document of New Zealand’s
Youth Policy (Wellington).
Pakistan, 1991. Pakistani Youth: Perspectives, Programmes and Policies
(Islamabad).
1993. Priority One: The National Youth (Shortened version of the
National Youth Policy).
Papua New Guinea, 1996. National Youth Commission. National Youth Policy
of Papua New Guinea 1996.
Philippines, Integrated Sangguniang Kabataan Organizational, Leadership and
Reorientation Program (ISKOLAR), 1997.
Basic Orientation Manual.
(Manila.)
Philippines, National Youth Commission, 1998.
Philippines Medium-Term
Youth Development Plan 1999-2004. (Manila.)
Republic of Korea, Ministry of Culture and Sports, 1994.
Korea.
, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 1998.
the Year 2000.
Korea’s Youth Policy Toward
Samoa, Ministry of Youth, Sport, Culture and Arts, 1998.
Youth Policy: Samoa. (September.)
South Africa, 1996.
Young People in
Draft National
National Youth Commission Act. (Pretoria.)
, 1997a. National Youth
Information Kit. (April.)
Commission
of
South Africa.
General
Thailand, National Youth Bureau, Office of the Prime Minister, 1991.
Declaration on Children.
National
, 1997b.
Youth Policy 2000.
75
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
, 1994. National Youth Policy.
Third World Youth Forum, 1998. Braga Youth Action Plan (Braga, August).
United Nations, 1985. United Nations Guidelines for Further Planning and
Suitable Follow-up in the Field of Youth. (General Assembly resolution
40/14 of 13-15 November 1985.)
, 1994. Policies and Programmes Involving Youth.
resolution 49/154 of 23 December.)
(General Assembly
, 1995. World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and
Beyond (General Assembly resolution 50/81 of 14 December 1995)
, 1997a. Review of the Youth Situation, Policies and Programmes in
Asia and the Pacific (United Nations Publication, Sales No. E.97.II.F. 16.)
1997b. Social Development, Including Questions Relating to the
World Social Situation and to Youth, Ageing, Disabled Persons and the
Family. (General Assembly Report, 9 November 1998)
World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, 1998. Lisbon Decla
ration on Youth Policies and Programmes. (Lisbon, 8 to 12 August)
Yeo, A., and C. K. Boey, 1997.
Youth Council).
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
76
The State of Youth in Singapore (National
9
J.
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Annexes
Annex 1
Resources to assist in the formulation
of a national youth policy
A. PRINT RESOURCES
A comprehensive list of references on the theme of youth policy
formulation is provided with this Manual. In addition, the following publications
are recommended as being of practical value to youth policy planners:
Commonwealth Youth Programme, Formulating and Implementing
National Youth Policies: a Commonwealth Handbook (London, 1990).
Commonwealth Youth
(London, 1990).
Programme,
Approaching
Youth
Policy
ESCAP, Assessment of National Youth Policies for Further
Implementation of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the
Year 2000 and Beyond (E/ESCAP/HRDY(2)/2).
Policy and Programme Perspectives in Implementing the Agenda
for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Pegion (ST/
ESCAP/1714).
United Nations, World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year
2000 and Beyond (United Nations resolution 50/81 (31 March 1998).
Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes adopted at
the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth.
•
Abdullah, S., Strengthening Youth Agenda: Implementation Through
Empowerment (Malaysian Youth Council; 1998).
B. CURRENT NATIONAL YOUTH POLICIES
A number of countries within the ESCAP region have formulated final or
draft national youth policies. Most of these are in the list of references and
are available through the ministries or departments listed in annex 5.
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
C. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Various international agencies have expressed interest in assisting with
the formulation of national youth policies and action plans. Within the ESCAP
region the following are important:
1. The Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
In addition to publishing this manual ESCAP is a rich source of data on
youth in the Asian and Pacific region. For further information contact:
HRD Section, Social Development Division
ESCAP
United Nations Building
Rajadamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200
Thailand
Tel:
(662) 288-1502
Fax:
(662) 288-3031
Email:
hrd-section.unescap@un.org
Web site: http://www.escap-hrd.org
2.
Commonwealth Youth Programme
Through the Youth Policy 2000 Programme, the Commonwealth Youth
Programme is committed to assisting Commonwealth countries:
By providing special printed resources and tools;
By providing access to consultant assistance;
By networking development opportunities with
countries committed to youth policy formulation.
Contacts:
Regional Director (Asia)
CYP Asia Centre
Sector 12
Chandiganh
India
(91) 172-541482/63
Tel:
(91) 172-54542
Fax:
c
ypasia.chd@rmm.sprintrpq.ems.usnl.net . in
Email:
Regional Director (South Pacific)
PO Box 1681
Honiara
Solomon Islands
(677) 39229
Tel:
(677) 39230
Fax:
Email: cyp@pactok.peg.apc.org
A
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
s
other
regional
Annexes
3. Other international agencies
The following international agencies deal with youth-related issues:
United Nations Children’s Fund
UNICEF
Office of the Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific
PO Box 2-154, Bangkok 10200
Thailand
(662) 280-5931
Tel:
Fax: (662) 280-3563
Web site on youth: http://www.unicef.org/voy/
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Youth Information Service
Korea Unesco Youth Center
868-1 Maegok-ri
Hobup-myon, Ichon-si
Kyonggi-do
Republic of Korea 467-820
(82) 336-638-9055
Tel:
(82) 336-638-9056
Fax:
infoy@kuyc.unesco.or.kr
Email:
Web site: http://kuyc.unesco.or.kr/infoyouth.htm
D. GENERAL UNITED NATIONS CONTACTS ON YOUTH
The Youth Unit
Division for Social Policy and Development
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Room DC2-1318
United Nations
New York NY 10017
USA
Tel:
(212) 963-1380
Fax:
(212) 963-3062
Email:
anqelw@un.orq
Development and Human Rights Section
Department of Public Information
Room S-1040
United Nations
New York NY 10017
USA
Tel:
(212) 963-1453
Fax:
(212) 963-1186
Email:
vasic@un.org
s
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Annex 2
Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies
and Programmes, adopted at the World
Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth,
held at Lisbon from 8 to 12 August 1998
In terms of a national youth policy, participants committed themselves to
the following:
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
80
1.
Ensuring that national youth policy formulation, implementation and
follow-up processes are, at appropriate level, accorded commitment
from the highest political level, including the provision of adequate
levels of resources.
2.
Developing national youth policies and operational programmes, at
appropriate levels, to implement the World Programme of Action for
Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, taking into account the
national priorities, realities and limitations arising from different
socio-economic and cultural development contexts.
3.
Establishing the necessary policies and programmes by the year
2000 to improve living standards for young women and young men
and to permit the effective implementation of national youth policies,
of an intersectoral nature, foreseen, among others, in the
Programme of Action.
4.
Reviewing the situation of youth and their needs and incorporating
young people’s own assessment of priorities, through their participa
tion in a consultative process, and ensuring that young women and
young men actively contribute to the formulation, implementation
and evaluation of national and local youth policies, programmes and
action plans.
5.
Developing capacity-building through the empowerment of formal
and informal coalitions and networks of youth.
6.
Strengthening responsible partnerships among all key stakeholders,
especially youth networks, non-governmental youth institutions and
organizations and other non-governmental organizations also in
cluding young women, particularly the girl child, and young men,
their families, governments, international agencies, educational
institutions, civil society, the business sector and media in order to
create synergies to better address youth potentials and problems
both at national and at local levels.
7.
Introducing measurable time-bound goals and indicators to allow a
common basis for national evaluation of the implementation of the
above-mentioned policies.
Annexes
8.
Supporting bilateral, subregional, regional and international
exchange of best practices at the national level in the formulation,
implementation and evaluation of youth policy, and the provision of
appropriate development tools and technical assistance, through the
creation of networks.
9.
Ensuring the mainstreaming of national youth policy and inter
national development, plans and programmes.
XA
Ell
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Annex 3
Braga Youth Action Plan,
adopted at the Third World Youth Forum,
held at Braga, Portugal from 2 to 7 August 1998
In reference to international cross-sectoral youth policies, the World
Youth Forum recommended:
Y( JTH POLICY
Fl EMULATION
82
1.
The formulation in all States of youth policies, by the year 2005,
which are cross-sectoral, comprehensive and formulated with long
term vision coupled with Action Plans taking into consideration the
guidelines set forth in the World Programme of Action for Youth to
the Year 2000 and Beyond (General Assembly resolution 50/81 of
14 December 1995). Youth policies should be accorded a legal
status and backed by legislative structures and sufficient resources.
We encourage all governments to establish and/or strengthen youth
focal point institutions within the government structure.
Youth
policies should be formulated via a thorough consultation process
between the government and the national youth NGO platforms as
well as other stakeholders as equal partners in that process.
2.
The effective implementation of cross-sectoral youth policies in
accordance with the action plans and their time frames that are
formulated together with the youth policies. Action plans should be
utilized as a guideline for monitoring and evaluating the status of
the implementation of youth policies by all stakeholders, especially
by the youth NGO platforms.
3.
That the United Nations, in collaboration with other intergovern
mental and non-governmental organizations, identify the best
practices on youth policy formulation and implementation and
encourage the adaptation of the principles and experiences among
the Member States of the United Nations. Greater use could be
made of the youth theme group mechanism within the United
Nations resident coordinators system to increase the coordination of
United Nations entities in the field of youth for the promotion of
national youth policies. The youth theme group should give priority
to collaboration between youth NGOs and United Nations entities.
6.
Please mention and give examples of how this publication has contributed to your work, and in
what area(s)?
7.
Suggestions for improvement of the publication:
8.
a)
on dissemination, presentation, quality, utilization, etc.
b)
on subject area (s) which you are interested in having greater coverage:
Your background:
Name:
Office address: ...
Title/position:
Length of service in current position:
Occupation (policy maker, planner, administrator, programme manager, researcher, etc.)
Field of work (education, employment, health, youth development, gender and development, etc.)
Institution (please specify government, intergovernmental, international development, non
governmental, sector, academic, etc.)
Level and field of education (economics, sociology, education, social work, public health, etc.)
Signature:
Date:
Thank you for your kind cooperation in completing and
returning this questionnaire to us.
United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Readership Survey
Human Resources Development Publications
The Human Resources Development Section, Social Development Division, ESCAP, is
conducting a readership survey of the usefulness of its publication titled:
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
[ST/ESCAP/2035]
It would be appreciated if you could complete this questionnaire and return it to us, by air
mail or fax, at the following address:
Chief
HRD Section
Social Development Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
United Nations Building
Rajadamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
(Fax: 662 288-3031)
QUESTIONNAIRE
1.
2.
3.
Was the publication delivered to you punctually after the date of its posting?
(Please circle)
Yes
No
Rating for quality and usefulness
(Please circle)
Excel
lent
Very
good
Average
Poor
Very
poor
Please indicate your assessment of the
quality of the publication on:
•
presentation/format
5
4
3
2
1
•
•
readability
timeliness of information
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
•
overall quality
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
How useful is the publication to your work?
Rating for effectiveness and impact
(Please circle)
Com
Subs
pletely tantially
Suffi
ciently
Insuf
Not
ficiently at all
The objective of this publication is to contribute to a regional awareness and understanding of
the national youth policy formulation process.
4.
To what extent has the publication served
its objective?
5
4
3
2
1
5.
To what extent have you used relevant parts
of this publication?
5
4
3
2
1
Annexes
Annex 4
Recommendations of the Asia-Pacific
Meeting of Youth Organizations in Preparation
for the Third Session of the World Youth Forum
held at Bangkok from 27 to 29 May 1998
In reference to national youth policies, the recommendations made by
the Asia-Pacific Meeting of Youth Organizations in Preparation for the Third
Session of the World Youth Forum were the following:
i.
Accelerate the formulation and implementation of youth policies
through:
Formulating general guidelines outlining the principles of youth
Form a
policies to be adopted at the international level,
drafting committee for formulation of such guidelines, Those
guidelines should include issues such as the definition of youth,
the promotion of youth associations and youth participation; the
subgroups of youth who should be given special consideration;
and the establishment of coordination mechanisms among
concerned Ministries;
Enhancing technical support by the United Nations agencies for
national bodies responsible for formulation and implementation
of national youth policies. There should be a youth desk at
United Nations agencies both at the country level as well as at
the regional level to provide such support;
Conducting studies to identify the constraints faced by countries
which have not yet formulated their youth policies;
Determining the target year for formulation of youth policies (for
example, by the year 2000);
Strengthening mechanisms for the monitoring of the imple
mentation of youth policies, including mechanisms at the
international and regional levels;
Disseminating information on youth policies widely and ensuring
transparent formulation processes.
2.
Enhance the participation of young people in the formulation and
implementation of youth policies by:
Creating a formal national level consultative mechanism for
high-level policy makers and the national youth organizations;
83
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Encouraging youth volunteerism;
Strengthening the role of youth NGOs in the formulation and
implementation of youth policies and partnership between
government and youth NGOs;
Identifying the different roles of young people, NGOs, govern
ments and the United Nations and other international organiza
tions in the formulation and implementation process;
Reflecting young people’s assessment of their own situation as
well as priorities expressed by them in the formulation of youth
policies;
Using appropriate language/wording in youth-related documents;
Promoting the participation of youth in the programmes of
sectoral/line ministries.
g
YOUT
FORA
POLICY
LATION
84
Annexes
Annex 5
Selected government agencies
responsible for youth affairs within
the Asian and Pacific region
Australia
Department of Employment, Education,
Training and Youth Affairs
Bangladesh
Ministry of Youth and Sports
Brunei Darussalum
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
Cambodia
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
Fiji
Ministry for Youth, Employment Opportunities and
Sports
India
Department of Youth Affairs and Sport
Indonesia
Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
Malaysia
Ministry of Youth and Sports
Maldives
Ministry of Youth and Sports
Nepal
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture
New Zealand
Ministry of Youth Affairs
Pakistan
Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth
Affairs
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea National Youth Commission
Philippines
National Youth Commission
Republic of Korea
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Samoa
Ministry for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs
Singapore
National Youth Council
Solomon Islands
Ministry of Youth, Women, Sports and Recreation
Sri Lanka
Ministry of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs and Sports
Thailand
National
Minister
Vanuatu
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Youth Employment
Viet Nam
National Commission on Youth of Vietnam
Youth
Bureau,
Office
of
the
Prime
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
Youth Policy Formulation Manual
Annex 6
United Nations references on the Internet
United Nations strategies on youth
United Nations Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals
of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples (1965)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/65.htm
United Nations Guidelines for Further Planning and Suitable Follow-up in
the Field of Youth (1985)
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/library/iyy.htm
World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (1995)
http://www.un.org/events/youth98/backinfo/ywpa2000.htm
Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes (1998)
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/library/ldypptxt.htm
Youth-related international conventions
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/a_ccpr.htm
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/a_cescr.htm
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women (1979)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/e1 cedaw.htm
Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
http://www.unicef.org/crc/crc.htm
Youth-related international declarations,
standards, guidelines and rules
United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the
Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules) (1985)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/h_comp48.htm
Declaration on the Right to Development (1986)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/74.htm
Administration
of
Annexes
United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency
(The Riyadh Guidelines) (1990)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/h_comp47.htm
United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their
Liberty (1990)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/h_comp37.htm
United Nations world conferences
Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992)
http://www.unep.org/unep/rio.htm
Agenda 21
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/agenda21text.htm
The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (1993)
http://www.unhchr.ch
Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and
Development (1994)
http://www.undp.org/popin/icpd/conference/offeng/poa.html
Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of
Action of the World Summit for Social Development (1995)
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/wssdco-0.htm
Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women (1995)
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/platform/
The Habitat Agenda and the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements
of the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements
(Habitat 11) (1996)
http://www.undp.org/un/habitat/agenda/index.html
Rome Declaration on World Food Security and World Food Summit Plan
of Action of the World Food Summit (1996)
http: //www. fa o. o rg/wfs/fi n a l/rd-e. ht m
87
YOUTH POLICY
FORMULATION
ji_
JIM
/J'
.....
. (JUl •U»'1
*Df5JMXR£(Sttll®tt
HOW TO OBTAIN UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATIONS
United Nations publications may be obtained from bookstores and distributors
throughout the world. Consult your bookstore or write to: United Nations, Sales
Section, New York or Geneva.
COMMENT SE PROCURER LES PUBLICATIONS DES NATIONS UNIES
Les publications des Nations Unies sont en vente dans les librairies et les agences
depositaires du monde entier. Informez-vous aupres de votre libraire ou adressez-vous
a : Nations Unies, Section des ventes, New York ou Geneve.
KAK nOJiyHHTI. HSJIAHKH OPrAHH3AliHH OBT»EflHHEHHl»IX HAKHH
HsAaHHH OpraHHaaiiHH OC'benHHeHHbix HauwA mojkho Kynurb b khhxchmx Mara3HHax h areHTCTBax bo bccx paftonax Mwpa. HasoAMTe cnpaaKH 06 h3ahhHhx b
BatueM khiokhom MaraanHe h.ih nuniMTe no aapecy : OpramiaauHH O6T»eAHHeHHbix
HauMM, CexunH no npoAajxe
Hbio-HopK mhh ^KeweBa.
COMO CONSEGUIR PUBLICACIONES DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS
Las publicaciones de las Naciones Unidas estan en venta en librerias y casas distribuidoras en todas partes del mundo. Consulte a su librero o dirijase a. Naciones
Unidas, Seccidn de Ventas, Nueva York o Ginebra.
Printed in Bangkok
July 2000 - 790
United Nations publication
Sales No. E.00.II.F.44
Copyright © United Nations 2000
ISBN: 92-1-119994-8
ST/ESCAP/2035
- Media
8393.pdf
Position: 622 (10 views)