Urban youth to benefit from UN-HABITAT’s US$2-million Opportunities Fund

NAIROBI, Kenya - Urban-based youth-led organizations working to improve the living
conditions of their communities in developing countries can now apply for
financial assistance from UN-HABITAT.

The Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development will award up to
US$5,000 for smaller projects and up to US$25,000 for larger projects run by
eligible organizations led by young people, aged 15-32 years.

“In this time of worldwide economic crisis, it is not only banks and
automakers who deserve financial support, we also need to encourage youth who
are often best placed to solve problems in their communities,” said Mrs. Anna
Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT. “The Opportunities Fund is
designed to provide financial support of up to US$1 million per year, to
youth-led initiatives aimed at sustainable urbanization. We must harness the
energies of the young if we are to overcome the problems of urban poverty.”

Of the one billion slum dwellers in the world today, it is estimated that
more than 70% are under the age of 30. Yet these young people have few
resources available to improve their own living environments. This is a major
oversight as there are many youth-led initiatives in slums and squatter
settlements that are in urgent need of financial support.

The Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development has been
established with support from the Norwegian Government specifically to
provide funds to youth-led community initiatives. The initial grant is for
US$2 million over two years with a possibility of renewal.

The fund is committed to support innovative youth-led projects in areas
such as employment, education, environment, health and safety. Applications
from organizations partnering with government agencies and the private sector
are encouraged. Projects promoting gender equality are particularly welcome.

Applications details are now available at www.unhabitat.org/opfund.

Source: UN-HABITAT

Spokesperson & Head, Press & Media Relations Unit, Media Liaison, +254-20-7623153; 7623151, Fax: +254-20-7624060, habitat.press at unhabitat.org; Website: https://www.unhabitat.org