Few developing countries have established comprehensive national youth policies to define the role of youth in society, the responsibility of society toward youth, problems and needs of youth, and appropriate structures and institutions to meet needs. Government adoption of a national youth policy presupposes the political will to initiate and pursue such a policy. There are two possible reasons why a comprehensive youth policy is often not considered a top priority in developing countries: (1) governments are preoccupied with severe problems facing youth and therefore concentrate on the most urgent tasks; or (2) well-defined programs already function within an undefined policy framework. In most developing countries, youth do not participate sufficiently, and it is very rare that policies and programs mention female youth. Youth policies tend to be regarded as synonymous with education, training, or employment policies, or with recreational and sports activities. Further, considerable difficulties often arise in coordinating the delivery of youth programs and services. National policies and programs for rural youth in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean are described. Guidelines for developing youth policies and programs are appended. 5 references, 1 table.