The International Youth Year had four major objectives: to enhance awareness of the situation of youth; to promote youth activities as an integral part of social and economic development; to enhance the active participation of youth in society; and to promote the ideals of peace among young people. The existence of 158 national coordinating committees to implement youth activities made it possible for member UN countries to identify their own youth problems within a global context. Economic restraints attenuated the political will of national committees, however, and these constraints represented the major obstacle encountered by the International Youth Year. Youth policy considerations were predominant in the achievements listed by several national committees. Interagency mechanisms enabled the UN system to come together on youth issues and to develop strategies and ideas for joint action. Regional meetings developed and adopted regional plans of action for youth. Informational and promotional activities were sponsored by the International Youth Year, and the role of nongovernmental organizations in youth programs was emphasized. International events were organized that involved individuals, governments, and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations. The primary significance of the International Youth Year involved increasing global awareness of the situation of youth. 12 notes.