Today's generation of youth is the largest in human history. Young men and women aged 15 to 24 account for more than one billion people, 85% of whom live in developing countries. Through stronger involvement of youth in policy dialogue and decision-making and by investing more in the human capital of youth (e.g. health and education), developing countries now have the unique opportunity to massively reduce poverty. In 2007, Alison King helped to formulate a new SDC Youth Policy and drafted the manuscript. The implementation of the Policy - one of the first of its kind - aims at achieving three main goals: supporting young people in developing their potential, improving their living conditions, and giving them a greater voice in political decision-making processes. It is being implemented through SDC programmes and projects in developing and transition countries. Contact: Alison King
