Work Begins on Belize’s Youth Development Policy

Belize has kicked off work on a new National Youth Development Policy and Strategy, aiming to better reflect the realities, ambitions and challenges facing young people today. Seventeen representatives from government, civil society, youth groups and international partners met in Belize City recently for the inaugural Youth Policy Round Table, which will steer the process. The Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations leads the initiative, with CEO Nicole Usher-Solano chairing the round table. The Ministry has commissioned the University of Belize’s Policy Research Institute, with support from UNICEF, to coordinate the policy’s development. A team led by BELPRI’s Executive Director, Dr. Dylan Vernon, will conduct research, surveys, interviews and nationwide consultations to ensure young people’s voices shape the final framework. Organizers say the goal is a practical, forward-looking policy that expands opportunities for Belizean youth to learn, work, lead and contribute meaningfully to national development.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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