The First Global Forum on Youth Policies has started in Baku, state news agency Azartac reported.

Speaking to the opening ceremony, the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi said the forum brings together ministers, experts and young leaders from many countries.

The head of the sociopolitical department at the Azerbaijani President`s Administration, Ali Hasanov, read out President Aliyev`s message of greetings to the participants in the forum.

Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov said youth policy was among key priorities for many countries. He highlighted the Azerbaijani government`s youth policy. “Azerbaijan has adopted youth-related programs, and under instructions by President Ilham Aliyev the government attaches particular importance to developing the human capital.”

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon thanked – through video conferencing - the Azerbaijani government for hosting the event. Addressing the youth, he said: “We have one message for you: The United Nations is ready to work with you."

Bakudaily.Az