In the Millennium Declaration adopted by the General Assembly in September 2000, Heads of State and Government resolved to “develop and implement strategies that give young people everywhere a real chance to find decent and productive work.” In pursuit of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Secretary-General of the United Nations, together with the heads of the World Bank and the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched the Youth Employment Network (YEN).

The Secretary-General convened a High-level Panel of the Youth Employment Network, comprised of twelve eminent persons drawn from leadership positions in private industry, civil society and economic policy, to advise him on strategies and policies to achieve the Millennium Development Goal for youth employment. The High Level Panel has met twice since the Youth Employment Network was launched and has developed a set of recommendations on youth employment, calling for a global alliance and a guide to action for achieving decent work for young people.

A permanent Secretariat of the Youth Employment Network has been established and is located in the ILO in Geneva . The Expert Group Meeting will contribute to better advise the Secretary-General and to provide guidance to countries in developing their national reviews and action plans on youth employment.