Introduction:
In support of International Youth Day (IYD) 2007 and action-oriented programmes and activities that focus on youth-led initiatives, UN-HABITAT is planned in partnership with sister agencies, youth organizations and Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, Kenya UN-wide IYD celebrations at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi during the 2 weeks of 13 to 25 August, 2007.

Background:
The International Youth Day celebrations at the Gigiri Complex offered an opportunity for United Nations Agencies and Programmes to collaboratively feature their youth programmes, best practices and lessons learned from the local, national and global levels. Moreover, the IYD celebrations presented a platform for recognizing the potential of youth and youth initiatives to advocate for youth concerns, achievements and solutions. It also offered an opportunity for dialogue and exchange of ideas on the way forward in promoting effective engagement of young people in their development and that of their communities at large. This occasion further presented a unique opportunity for all key actors working with youth and on youth issues in Kenya to rally together in support of the inclusion of young people in the development and implementation of programmes and activities. Ultimately, it showed support the participation of young people in decision-making mechanisms related to their empowerment.

I will be sending link that highlights the speaches and commitmenst that came up during the celebrations.