2014 Reports

Overcoming Youth Marginalization: Conference Report and Policy Recommendations

Powers, Margaret M.; Evangelides, Alicia; Offerdahl, Kate

On March 24, 2014, the Columbia Global Policy Initiative hosted over forty academics, youth activists, policy-makers, practitioners, and civil society representatives at Columbia University in New York City for an in-depth discussion on the marginalization and inequality facing youth worldwide. The conference brought together the diverse experiences and research findings of individuals around the world on youth issues, which often do not have a policy space in which to interact. The issues included human rights and justice; political participation and decision-making; gender and health inequalities; and employment, education, and migration opportunities. Conference participants examined the topics in the context of youth development, empowerment, and equality within society. The event was co-sponsored by the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth. The event was followed by a high-level policy dialogue at the UN on March 25, 2014 with member-states, agencies, civil society, and youth representatives.