ACTNow

h “ACT” instead of engaging with and in political parties. Young men and women are politically active in Nigeria (when given opportunity) but many factors had created fear, distrust, and unbelief. Most youth avoid political activity due to the standard of operation in Nigeria. Many families warn their children against political participation because our leaders in the past and few present made it look do or die affair. As a result political activism of youth is not organized according to formal groupings. Opportunities for youth to engage in governance and participate in political and decision-making processes depend largely on the political, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts where social norms in many parts of the world result in multiple forms of discrimination against young women. There is strong evidence that the participation of young people in formal, institutional political processes is relatively low when compared to older citizens across the globe. This challenges the representativeness of the political system and leads to the disenfranchisement of young people. The focus on youth according to “ACT” in terms of their engagement in the political arena is a relatively new priority but extremely timely, particularly in light of recent events and democratic transitions in Nigeria. We have come out to offer concrete interventions with total youth support. People at the age of 35 are rarely found in formal political leadership positions. In a country like Nigeria, eligibility for the national legislative assembly starts at 35 years or higher ad it is common practice to refer to politicians as “young” if they are within 35-40 years of age. Youth is not represented adequately in formal political institutions and process such as National Assembly, political parties, elections, and public administrations. The situation is even more difficult for both young women as well as women at mid-level and decision-making/leadership positions. In order to respond to the needs of young people, and to guarantee that their basic human rights are recognized and enforced, young people’s active and meaningful participation in their societies and in democratic practices and processes is of crucial importance. Meaningful youth participation and leadership require that young people-led organizations have opportunities, capacities, and benefit from an enabling environment and relevant evidence-based programmes and policies at all levels. Realizing young people’s right to participate and be included in democratic processes and practices is also vital to ensure the achievement of internationally agreed development goals and to refresh the developmental agenda. In countries emerging from conflict like Nigeria, UNDP recognizes that young people can engage in peace-building, leading non-violent revolutions, using new technologies to mobilize societies to bring about change. Young people have demonstrated the potential to build bridges across communities, working together, helping to manage conflict and promoting peace. Young people are vital stakeholders in conflict and in peace-building, and can be agents of change and provide a foundation for rebuilding lives and communities, contributing to a more just and peaceful society.