The World Conference on Youth took place on 6-10 May 2014 in Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo Sri Lanka. It brought together over 1500 young people from all over the world and had an aim to produce a joined outcome between states and youth: the "Colombo Action Plan".

The day before the opening of the Conference there were some pre-trainings during which the participants were introduced to the POST-2015 agenda and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The opening ceremony took place in Hambantota, which is a 6 hours' trip from Colombo. The participants were welcomed very warmly by the Youth Minister and the President of Sri Lanka and had an opportunity to get acquainted to the Sri Lankian culture and dances.

The first day of the conference started in the main hall of the BMICH with the message from the UNO Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who encouraged youth to be more motivated and participate in the creation of Colombo Declaration.

Each day the participants were to attend one of 7 foundations (Achieving Good Governance & Accountability, Inclusive Youth Participation at All Levels, Youth Rights, Globalization/ Inclusive Youth-Led Development, Ending Systemic Inequalities, Gender Equality, Empowering Marginalized Youth Including Most at Risk Young People) and 7 themes (Realizing Equal Access To Quality Education, Full Employment and Entrepreneurship, Poverty Eradication and Food Security, Promoting Healthy Lives and Access To Health, Environmental Sustainability, Disaster Risk Reduction and Youth Centered Urbanization, Realizing Peace, Reconciliation and Ending Violence, Ensuring Inclusive Recreation, Sports and Cultures).

Zara Stepanyan, YEE's External Relations Officer, attended Inclusive Youth Participation at All Levels and Environmental Sustainability, Disaster Risk Reduction and Youth Centered Urbanization. The discussions in the groups were quite productive and the participants were able to come up with some amendments on the declaration.

After the thematic discussions the participants were being divided for the regional meetings where we were discussing what happened during the day and what is of vital importance for our region to be promoted.

The full outcome document which had amendments from participating groups was presented during the closing ceremony.

Zaruhi Stepanyan,

External Relations Officer.

Photos from World Conference on Youth website.