71. The Administrator is pleased to inform the Council that UNV’s participatory development programme for Africa is now fully operational with the approval of an additional $300,000 from the regional IPF, bringing the total budget of RBA/82/058 to $500,000. The Project Manager was fielded and the project office opened in Zambia in December 1984. The assignment of three UNV specialists and of the first group of DDS volunteers in Mall, Rwanda and Zambia is scheduled for early 1985. The Africa programme, the Administrator believes, will be a significant contribution to increasing self-reliance of the most disadvantaged groups at a critical juncture in that region’s development. E.Youth participation in development 72. UNV’s execution of its mandate in this field was closely related to the interest generated following the designation of 1985 as International Youth Year (IYY). The main element of UNV’s activities continues to be promoting productive employment opportunities for young people. The modalities include introduction of appropriate skills training, particularly for self-employment, and the identification and implementation of corresponding work opportunities. During 1984, project documents for new projects were signed for Bangladesh and Zaire, and negotiated for Mall. UNV’s co-operation with UNESCO in Indonesia continued and a similar collaboration in Madagascar started. At the regional level, UNV provided support to the Youth Section of ESCAP. 73. Regarding IYY proper, a preparatory workshop for a national seminar in 1985 was co-hosted in Zaire. UNq also participated in the meetings of the core group of United Nations agencies established to promote, organize and implement IYY-related programmes. Resident representativeshave been informed of developments and each office is expected to function as the co-ordinatlng point for IYY activities under United Nations system auspices. Work started on the first issue of the UNV/IYY Newsletter, to be published in 1985, to
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the activities of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, specifically in Africa and in relation to International Youth Year (IYY). The text highlights the UNV's efforts to promote self-reliance, productive employment opportunities, and skills training for young people. While there are mentions of specific countries and regions, the focus is on the program's development and implementation rather than on natural resources, environment, or other specific sectors.

**Category**
Employment, Humanitarian aid and relief