2.5 Guiding Principles of the National Youth Policy The National Youth Policy is based on a series of essential principles and values which have influenced its design and direction. These principles and values lay the foundation on which the goals, objectives and strategies of the Policy have been formulated. The following are the key principles on which the National Youth Policy has been formulated: i) Enhancement of Peace and National Unity:Promotion of peace, national unity and support for the family unit; ii) Equity and Diversity:Recognition of the heterogeneity and diversity of the youth and the need to address their development needs through equitable policies, programmes and allocation of resources; iii) Cultural and spiritual diversity:Recognition of cultural and spiritual diversity as a basis for youth development and the important role tradition, spirituality and culture can play in the development of young men and women; iv) Gender equity and equality:Recognizing the special needs of both young men and young women in order to achieve a gender just society is a fundamental prerequisite for youth development and hence advancing gender equality and equity constitutes the cornerstone for the Youth Policy; v) Youth Empowerment for sustainable livelihoods:Promotion of a conducive environment that supports the continued life-long development of young men and women and their skills and capacities; vi) Youth participation:Promotion of young people's participation in national development, democratic and civic decision making processes; vii) Youth-driven:Youth development services and programmes should be youth-driven and youth-centred; viii) Youth service: Youth should be given opportunity to serve their communities whilst developing their own skills; this is essential to developing patriotism and a sense of civic duty ix) Mainstreaming youth issues:Whilst recognising the need for youthdriven and youth-centred development programmes and services, the needs, opportunities and challenges facing young women and men are the concerns of the whole society. Youth development should be recognized as an important mandate for all government agencies, nongovernment organisations and development institutions; 6