The World Bank, in partnership with the Italian Development Cooperation and with the participation of the International Labour Organization, organized a Conference entitled "Young People in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: From Policy to Action" that took place in Rome, Italy, on May 21-24, 2007. The Conference was managed by the Social Development Team in the Sustainable Development Department in the Europe and Central Asia Region of the World Bank, and was sponsored by the ECA Vice-Presidency, with the support of the Children and Youth Unit and the Social Development Anchor at the Bank.

The conference focused on two primary youth policy domains articulated in the World Bank 2007 World Development Report Development and the Next Generation: transition to work and transition to citizenship, which are today especially problematic for the young people of the ECA Region. More than 230 conference participants discussed policies and programs which can enable young people to make a successful transition to work and help them exercise citizenship.

The report of the conference is now available to download here. The report illustrates how the World Bank is beginning to invest in youth policies in a multi-dimensional way, in addition to specific sectoral projects in health, education and infrastructure. By highlighting positive trends and successful lessons for investment, and by proposing new avenues for discussion with new information, it is hoped that this publication will further energize the debate about youth development, and contribute to the move from policy to action in the ECA Region. 

To read more about the results of the conference, and the practical follow up actions the World Bank is currently undertaking, click here.

New: July 30, 2008. The World Bank has launched a grant in Tajikistan ('Tajikistan Youth Social and Economic Opportunity Project') to create better opportunities for young people most at risk.  To read the press release, click here.

Background information on the conference:

The event was inaugurated by H.E. Romano Prodi, Prime Minister of Italy.

“The conference on youth of Europe addresses a crucial issue. Investing in young people is the best possible investment. Together we can address and overcome the challenges ahead of us, specifically those concerning the youth. It is also my own commitment. Only by working in this direction we will be able to combat marginalization,” said Romano Prodi. 

Despite the generally improving economic situation in most Europe and Central Asia countries, the conditions of young people have been worsening since the early 1990s, as reflected, for example, in the falling rates of young people’s participation in the labor force, especially for young women, as well as young people’s widespread disillusionment with opportunities for engagement in active citizenship.

“A growing economy will create hopefully more employment and overall then also generate and include opportunities for youth to participate. But we also know that that is not enough. It might be good for governments to think in terms of what specific pro-youth policies can indeed be developed. They should have sound policies both at the macro as well as on the sector level, but take on specific youth-oriented lenses,” said Shigeo Katsu, Vice-President for the Europe and Central Asia region at the World Bank.  Read More