With nearly three quarters of the world’s one billion slum-dwellers under the age of 30, a new United Nations programme seeks to empower urban-based, youth-led community initiatives.The UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) “Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development” scheme will provide grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to groups, steered by people between the ages of 15 and 32, promoting sustainable urbanization.
“In this time of worldwide economic crisis, it is not only banks and automakers who deserve financial support, we also need to encourage youth who are often best placed to solve problems in their communities,” said Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT.
“We must harness the energies of the young if we are to overcome the problems of urban poverty,” she added.
The Norwegian Government-backed initiative aims to support efforts in employment, education, environment, health and safety, among other areas.
