Envoy on Youth participates in discussion on Securing Land and Property Rights for All, UN Secretariat

New York Monday , 16 Sept 13

In a side-event to the workshop on youth-led action research on land jointly organized by UN-Habitat and GLTN, the youth representatives from Brazil, Nepal, Kenya and Zimbabwe spoke on the importance of Securing Land and Property Rights for All.

The Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi opened the discussion underlining the land ownership challenge faced by young people, and how this is intricately linked to youth livelihoods. “An overwhelming majority of young people does not own land. There is a need for adequate policies which cater for young people’s specific concerns for land. As well, it is important to involve youth in land governance, said Ahmad Alhendawi.

Photo1: Ahmad Alhendawi discussing “Securing Land and Property Rights for All

The youth representatives present talked about their youth and land projects, underscoring the importance of such projects in their respective countries as they relate to youth’s access to employment opportunities, to the use of public spaces and to accessing adequate and affordable housing to prevent forced evictions in informal settlements.

Photo2:CalebGichuhi from Sisi Ni Amani organization, Kenya