The UN-HABITAT Youth Advisory Board was established at the World Urban Forum IV held in Nanjing China on 1 and 2 November, 2008 and launched at the 22 Second Session of the UN-HABITAT Governing Council in April 2009.

The Board will be validated by young people from all regions during the upcoming World Urban Youth Assembly, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 19 and 20 March, 2010.The Board comprises 12 Advisors, two per UN-HABITAT region and will include one youth observer representing young people with disabilities with another two observer members, one youth representative from informal settlements and one external advisor, appointed by UN-HABITAT.

Members of the Advisory board are elected at the World Urban Youth Assembly to serve for a period of two years. The Board advises UN-HABITAT on strategies to engage young people in sustainable urbanization and urban development, and may represent youth in local, national and international fora. The Board also seeks to strengthen youth participation and advocacy in youth-led initiatives.