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The Secretary-General and Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi(left)

The newly appointed Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, was sworn in at UN headquarters on Friday morning.

The 29 year-old youth leader from Jordan has been described as a strong youth advocate with extensive knowledge of and commitment to working on youth issues at the local, regional and international levels.

UN Spokesperson, Martin Nesirky says that Mr. Alhendawi was identified after as rigorous selection process.

"At Mr. Alhendawi's swearing-in ceremony this morning, the Secretary-General said that what we do for youth will be very important for our sustainable development – helping to provide equal opportunities and decent jobs. The Secretary-General described Mr. Alhendawi as a very distinguished young leader among billions of young people, and one who will bring new and fresh and creative ideas." (21")

Nesirky recalls that in his Five-Year Action Agenda, the Secretary-General identified "working with and for Women and Young People" as a major focus.

Donn Bobb, United Nations.

Duration: 56″