The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, has been invited to chair the Reporting Session at the Tenth IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The conference will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from September 12 to 14, 2024, under the theme "Avoiding Lost Generations: Preserving Education and Employment in All Circumstances."

Lord Fakafanua this morning chaired the first session on “ Countdown to 2030: Where are we on youth education and employment?”

Education and employment are crucial for young people to build successful futures, as emphasized by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Quality Education (SDG 4) and Decent Work and Economic Growth. However, global crises—such as conflicts, pandemics, climate change, and economic downturns—significantly disrupt access to these essentials. With only one in six countries on track to achieve universal quality education by 2030 and youth unemployment rates exceeding those of older adults, urgent action is needed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated these challenges, leading to widespread job losses and income reductions among young people, especially those in vulnerable situations. The conference will address these critical issues and explore ways to ensure continuous access to education and employment for all youth.

Key areas of focus will include:

1. Countdown to 2030: Evaluating global and national progress towards quality education and decent work, and identifying areas needing intensified efforts.
2. Young Lives Disrupted: Examining the impact of global crises on youth socio-economic rights and discussing legislative and policy measures to support youth.
3. Leaving No One Behind: Addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized youth, and developing inclusive and responsive policymaking strategies.

The conference will feature panel discussions, expert presentations, and interactive working group sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to share successful practices from their countries and engage in open discussions during an 'Unconference' session.

The final day will include a visit programme organized by the Host Parliament, offering networking opportunities and cultural experiences.

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