In July 2003, the YEN

            At the start of the new century, youth employment problems continue to pervade both developed and developing countries, with a disproportionately large number of young women and men exposed to long-term unemployment or else limited to precarious or short-term work. To seek solutions, the International Labor Organization has set up the Youth Employment Network (YEN).

               Against this background, at a seminar held in Salvador in September 2003, the Brazilian Minister of Labor, Mr. Jaques Wagner, announced Brazil’s decision to volunteer as a Lead Country of the YEN. Brazil now joins Senegal, Namibia, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Hungary and Azerbaijan in championing the preparation of National Action Plans on youth unemployment. This policy was called for urgently by the United Nations (UN) in 2002, and endorsed by the YEN’s High Level Panel at its meeting in July 2003. Brazil’s decision was communicated through a letter from President Lula to Juan Somovia, Director General of the International Labor Organization.