The Eastern Europe and Central Asia region has undergone intensive political, economic, and social transformations over the past decade, opening up new opportunities for people under the age of 25, who make up 22 per cent of the region’s population. But the pace and nature of change has also left adolescents (ages 10-19) and youth (ages 15-24) highly vulnerable to poverty; unemployment; health issues, including those related to sexual and reproductive health; and political disenfranchisement. Commitment to the development and promulgation of policies to address the needs of young people (all those ages 10-24) varies widely across the region, with ideological, political, and resource issues all coming into play.

This publication provides a brief overview of the key issues of concern regarding young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, UNFPA's work in the region, and priorities for the future.