UN-HABITAT recognizes young people as active participants in the future of human settlements. Today’s youth are already conceiving, designing and implementing successful community-building projects in some of the most marginalized regions of the world. Young people need acknowledgement, guidance and training in order to reach their full potential. In response, UN-HABITAT initiates and fosters inter-agency and partnerships with youth organizations. It engages youth at an international level, to help formulate an international understanding of pressing youth issues. Working with young men and women and understanding their diverse abilities, realities and experiences is an essential element of UN-HABITAT’s long term success of achieving sustainable urbanization.

	UN-HABITAT Executive Director with Mathare Youth, 2006 Copyright Bobby Paul

The objective of the UN-HABITAT Youth Strategy for Enhanced Engagement is to present an integrated approach to urban youth development, which will guide the operational activities of the agency when working with youth. It will provide a road map for the promotion of urban youth empowerment. UN-HABITAT actively promotes the implementation of youth programmes, working directly with youth-led groups. The agency works closely with all its divisions, branches and the regional offices in order to promote high quality and continuous engagement of partners in incorporating youth issues in the development agenda.

UN agencies recognize young people as key stakeholders and active participants in the future of human settlements. Young people need acknowledgment, guidance, resources and training in order to reach their full potential. UN-HABITAT initiates and fosters inter-agency and partnerships with youth organizations working towards the mainstreaming of youth issues.

UN-HABITAT urban poverty reduction strategies include; sustainable urban development, adequate shelter for all, improvement in the lives of slum dwellers, access to safe water and sanitation, social inclusion, environmental protection and various human rights. The expanded strategic vision gives attention to knowledge management, the financing of housing and human settlements and to strategic partnerships.