The United Nations has long recognized the important role played by youth in the continuing development of the world in which they live. The Organization drew worldwide attention to the importance of youth in observing the 1985 International Youth Year: Participation, Development and Peace. 

Recognizing the need to expand the opportunities available to young people to participate fully in society, the General Assembly adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (General Assembly resolution 50/81 of 14 December 1995) as a framework for nations to increase their capacities to address youth needs and issues.

The present Manual is intended to assist in promoting effective youth participation. This Manual, together with its counterpart, the Youth Policy Formulation Manual, provides guidelines for those involved in formulating and imple­ menting youth-related policies and programmes at all levels. By proposing a set of youth participation indicators, this Manual attempts not only to ensure youth participation, but also to measure its effectiveness. In addition, the Manual aims to encourage the inclusion of young people in decision-making at the local, national and regional levels, in order to encourage partnerships between young people and adults.