This declaration is a product of the World Conference on Youth which began on May 6th, 2014, at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Present at the conference was President Mahinda Rajapksa, President of the U.N. General Assembly, Dr. John W. Ashe, and U.N. Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi. Approximately 1,500 youth delegates were also in attendance.

The declaration is forward looking with clear recommendations within development areas for youth. Diversity, sustainable development, meaningful participation, and eradication of poverty are some of the issues addressed. This is a strong contribution to current research and developments being led towards the post-2015 framework.