New initiatives specifically aimed at young people at risk of social exclusion – including those with a disability, migrants and LGBT youths – will be developed under a new National Youth Policy announced this morning.

The policy, which addresses all 13 to 30 year olds, will be implemented over the next six years and aims to support young people in “fulfilling their potential and aspirations” while encouraging their active participation in society.

Among a wide-ranging set of action plans, the policy includes the creation of new spaces for young people and youth organisations at local community level and measures to enhance young people’s entrepreneurship prospects.

It also addresses support for young people in areas such as health, sports, arts and culture.

Speaking earlier today, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo expressed serious concern over the fact that some 1000 young people who left school in 2014 – or 23 per cent of the total – are currently not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

“Nearly half as many young people as are entering university are simply doing nothing once they leave school. We cannot avoid asking why,” the minister said.

Noting that youth unemployment and graduate employment figures remained very positive, Mr Bartolo commented that the figures may be hiding a growing phenomenon of underemployment.

“I also feel – and this may sound a bit romantic – that young people don’t have enough of a spirit of adventure,” he said, pointing to the low take-up of overseas educational and training opportunities.

“In an increasingly globalised world, this is particularly problematic.”

Parliamentary secretary Chris Agius said that in implementing the new policy, the focus would be on “tangible outcomes”, ensuring that all young people would benefit from the policy.

Also speaking during the launch were shadow minister David Agius, CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Miriam Theuma and representatives of youth organisations.