Since the economic crisis began, the unemployment rise has hit young people in particular immensely. This threatens a long-term growth potential in many of our countries, particularly in our continent - Africa.

On 14th and 15th May, 2012 young trade unionists from across the globe will be meeting in Guadalajara - Mexico, prior the G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting. This is to draw the G20’s attention to the dramatic situation of young people seeking jobs and specifically decent jobs.

The meeting is the sixth meeting of the ITUC Youth Committee since the Confederation was founded in 2006. The Committee includes young men and women from each region: Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Americas and Europe.

Participating from Africa are four members of the ITUC-Africa youth committee.

Other issues that will be discussed over the two-day meeting include the forthcoming ILO International Labour Conference, the Rio+20 Summit, how to increase the representation of young people in trade union organisations and experiences with trade union renewal.

We look forward to a successful meeting.

Viva to young workers!