This week, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held its Youth Forum. It attracted young people from around the world, and Ministers for Youth Affairs and other senior officials. I spoke at the closing session, and found the room full of energy. I said that young people are among a country’s greatest assets, and that it’s vital to invest in opportunities for youth via education and skills training and job creation, and to engage youth fully in community and national affairs. The post-2015 development agenda will shape the world in which today’s youth will make their contribution, so it’s vital that they are part of designing that future. I will post my speech immediately below this.