A/RES/66/121 Recognizing also that the international community has been challenged by multiple and interrelated crises, including the ongoing impact of the financial and economic crisis, volatile energy and food prices and ongoing concerns over food security, as well as the increasing challenges posed by climate change and the loss of biodiversity, all of which have increased vulnerabilities and inequalities and have adversely affected development gains, in particular in developing countries, and calling for enhanced cooperation and concerted action to address those challenges, taking into account the positive role that education can play in that respect, Reaffirms the World Programme of Action for Youth, 3 including its 1. fifteen interrelated priority areas, and calls upon Member States to continue its implementation at the local, national, regional and international levels; Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General 2. entitled “International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding”; 4 Also takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General 3. entitled “Implementation of the World Programme of Action for Youth: United Nations system coordination and collaboration related to youth”, 5 and welcomes the recent increased collaboration among the United Nations entities in the area of youth development; Expresses deep concern that the attainment of the social development 4. objectives may be hindered by the multiple and interrelated crises, including the ongoing impact of the financial and economic crisis, volatile energy and food prices and ongoing concerns over food security, as well as the increasing challenges posed by climate change and the loss of biodiversity; Recognizes that young people in all countries are both a major human 5. resource for development and key agents for social change, economic development and technological innovation, and affirms that investment in youth development and education is crucial for sustainable social and economic development; Reaffirms that the strengthening of international cooperation regarding 6. youth, including through the fulfilment of all official development assistance commitments, the transfer of appropriate technology, capacity-building, the enhancement of dialogue, mutual understanding and the active participation of young people are crucial elements of efforts towards achieving the eradication of poverty, full employment and social integration; Urges Member States to promote the full and effective participation of 7. young people and youth-led organizations in relevant decision-making processes, including in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, programmes and activities at all times, especially in times of crisis; Also urges Member States to specifically address youth development in 8. their economic and financial recovery measures by emphasizing youth employment and promoting entrepreneurship, volunteerism and the development of formal, informal and non-formal educational and training systems in line with the needs of young people and their societies, and encourages all relevant stakeholders, including academia, the private sector, trade unions and financial institutions, to promote social responsibility and to develop partnerships in this regard; _______________ 3 Resolution 50/81, annex, and resolution 62/126, annex. A/66/129. 5 A/66/61-E/2011/3. 4 2