Almas Jiwani, President of United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM Canada), Part of UN Women, Invites Canadians to Engage With Canada's Youth in a Dialogue for Greater Understanding

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 11, 2010) - The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM Canada), Part of UN Women, is pleased to announce the launch of the International Year of Youth (IYY): Dialogue and Mutual Understanding commencing on August 12, 2010. This Year of Youth marks the 25th Anniversary of the first International Youth Year in 1985, which addressed the theme of Participation, Development and Peace. It also adds greater significance for all those wanting to take action and do their part in making it a meaningful year for youth in Canada and around the world.

"We believe The International Year of Youth is about advancing the full and effective participation of youth in all aspects of society", says Ms.Jiwani. "We encourage all sectors of society to work in partnership with youth and youth organizations to better understand their needs and concerns and to recognize the contributions that they can make to society at large."

Youth has always been one of society's most precious assets in building a brighter future. Given today's access to social media networks and new emerging technologies, leaders have the means and responsibility to facilitate a more effective dialogue with youth. "Today's leaders must come forward and take positive action in mentoring our youth, who are tomorrow's innovative world leaders. They must be committed to engaging with youth, recognizing their new ideas and their advanced skills, and to helping youth build a better and brighter future both locally and globally", says Ms. Jiwani.

UNIFEM Canada, Part of UN Women, will be hosting a Youth Leadership Conference early in 2011. The IYY will culminate with the "United Nations World Youth Conference" to be held at the end of IYY in 2011, under the auspices of the United Nations. The date and place for both of these conferences will be announced in the future. For more information on how you can contribute to empower Canadian youth, please visit our website, www.unifemcanada.org.