Comparative analysis of national youth policy in different countries

Abstract

Children and young people up to the age of 24 accounts for up to 70% of the population in many developing countries. Of the estimated 1.9 billion children (0–18 years) in developing countries, 1 billion live in poverty. The majority of these young people live in developing countries. The demographic picture in the industrialised world is somewhat different, but youth poverty is on the increase here too. The share of Europe's population accounted for by young people (15–24 years) is expected to drop from 12.6% to 9.7% between 2005 and 20501. To promote young people and implement their rights, however, appropriate framework conditions are required. Youth policies create these conditions. We explored the national youth policy in developed and developing countries. We spent the Review of International Standards on National Youth Policy; Global Analysis on Actions to Promote National Youth Policy; Comparative Analysis of Country Actions to Implement National Youth Policies. However, a National Youth Policy on its own is not sufficient. It is also essential to have an action plan for policy implement with appropriate budgeting. Youth participation is a core element in the development, implementation and evaluation of youth policies. The main conclusions of the article Proposal on Criteria, Conditions and Steps for the Implementation of National Youth Policies. The present publication gives youth organisations and specialist institutions an overview of how youth policies are integrated at international and national level. It also presents good practices and discusses the problems involved in developing, implementing and evaluating youth policies at national level.