MEXICO — Thousands of young people, government officials, NGO representatives and United Nations officials are gathering in the city of León in the Mexican state of Guanajuato this week to discuss issues ranging from poverty to health, education, migration and political participation — all of particular relevance for young participants from more than 100 countries.

There are currently more than 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24, accounting for more than a quarter of the world’s population. Nearly nine out of ten young people live in developing countries.

The purpose of the conference, organized by the Mexican Government with support from the United Nations, is to put the needs of young people more prominently on the political agenda. A declaration from the global conference will be presented at next month’s UN General Assembly meeting in New York, which will focus of the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals.

“We hope that the world will listen to the voices of young people who attend the Conference and increase investments in youth — in their education, health, employment and leadership — so that they can reach their fullest potential,” said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA.

Worldwide, the youth unemployment rate stood at 12.1 per cent in 2008, compared with 4.3 per cent for adults, according to the International Labour Organization. Of the 3 billion people living on less than two dollars a day, about half are below the age of 24.

Leila Mucarcel of Argentinean Youth for the United Nations said that in the case of Latin America, “inequality is what distinguishes us from other parts of the world. Income levels determine the degree of access to reproductive health services and education,” she said.

Experts argue that investing in education and reproductive health services for young people makes economic sense, because those who enjoy such rights are more likely to contribute to peaceful and prosperous societies.

“If you can’t make decisions concerning your own body, it’s also difficult to participate and make decisions at the level of communities,” said Alejandro Blancas (29), President of the “Espacio Iberoamericano de Juventud” a regional youth organization.

The conference will focus on 13 issues:

• Public policies and investment
• Poverty and exclusion
• Education
• Health
• Employment
• Technology and innovation
• Culture
• Access to justice and security
• Participation
• Gender equality
• Sustainable development and climate change
• International migration
• Global cooperation

A Social Forum, to be opened by Purnima Mane, Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA, and Priscila Vera, Director General of the Mexican Institute for Youth (IMJUVE) will offer NGO and youth delegates a chance to express their opinions. The other segment of the conference, a Government Forum, is scheduled to be officially opened Wednesday by Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Ms. Obaid. Some of the discussions during the conference will include online participation by young people all over the world.