The Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) programme is an initiative of the UNFPA aimed at giving a voice to young people across the world.  At the global level, as well as in some country offices, UNFPA has established Youth Advisory Panels to empower young people to participate in decisions that affect them and to express views and opinions in accordance with basic human rights principles and the Convention in the rights of a child. The YAP demonstrates a shift away from working for young people, to working in partnership with young people to ensure youth-friendly approaches and action. It was also established as a means to foster open dialogue and exchange between UNFPA, UN Agencies, government, youth groups and youth-serving groups. It is a mechanism to advise UNFPA and all other developmental stakeholders of the strategic opportunities and actions to address adolescent and youth issues within the organizational mandate.The Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) programme is an initiative of the UNFPA aimed at giving a voice to young people across the world.  At the global level, as well as in some country offices, UNFPA has established Youth Advisory Panels to empower young people to participate in decisions that affect them and to express views and opinions in accordance with basic human rights principles and the Convention in the rights of a child. The YAP demonstrates a shift away from working for young people, to working in partnership with young people to ensure youth-friendly approaches and action. It was also established as a means to foster open dialogue and exchange between UNFPA, UN Agencies, government, youth groups and youth-serving groups. It is a mechanism to advise UNFPA and all other developmental stakeholders of the strategic opportunities and actions to address adolescent and youth issues within the organizational mandate.