JAKARTA (ILO News): Representatives of governments, workers, employers and specialists from eight countries in Asia and the Pacific are meeting in Jakarta from 25 – 28 January to discuss ways to increase youth employment in the region.

Members of Asia-Pacific YouthNet (APYN), a network of professionals focusing on youth employment in the region, will share their knowledge and experience, look at ways to improve the effectiveness of their network, as well as discuss emerging concerns.

The APYN was launched in 2008 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific at the request of its tripartite constituents (workers, employers and governments) to share ILO’s knowledge resources.

This meeting also aims to assess the progress made, ways to expand membership, review the range of products and services, as well as the priorities. The impact of the Youth Employment Programme in the region will also be discussed.

“More than 700 million young people, or more than 45 per cent of the world’s young people aged between 15 and 24 live in Asia and the Pacific. Their potential contribution to society and the economy is invaluable,” said Matthieu Cognac, regional youth employment expert from the ILO. “Decent and productive work for young people is also one of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals”.

As well as regional ILO experts, representatives of governments, workers and employers from China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vanuatu will take part in the meeting that will be held at Citadines Quartier Jakarta, Jl. Wahid Hasyim No 70, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, from 08.30 – 17.00 WIB.

For further information please contact:

Mr Tendy Gunawan
National Programme Coordinator for Enterprise Development/Youth Employment
Tel.: +6221 3913112 ext. 142
Email

Ms Gita Lingga
Media Officer
Tel.: +6221 3913112 ext. 115
Mobile: +62815 884 5833
Email