In 2021, UNICEF and UNDP joined forces to launch a Flagship Youth Initiative designed to strengthen knowledge and practice in the areas of youth employability and entrepreneurship. The collaboration focused on 10 countries in the Sahel with the main objective of gaining a broad understanding of existing youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives in the sub-region. This mapping highlighted gaps, opportunities and effective approaches, which in turn facilitated development of the four standards for youth initiatives presented in this Guidance Note.

The Note also highlights lessons learned in relation to employability and entrepreneurship initiatives and poses questions to be considered by those supporting such initiatives. Together, these elements serve as a checklist for both youth networks engaged in partner initiatives and public and private partners responsible for (or interested in) designing or implementing youth initiatives. The Guidance Note concludes with recommended actions for the various actors engaged in youth initiatives.