The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation is holding a symposium at the Croke Park Conference Centre today to discuss sport and the impact it has on young people worldwide.

The UNESCO Symposium on Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership through Sport and Recreation is bringing together experts, practitioners, members of development organizations, UNESCO goodwill ambassadors and youth leaders.

UNESCO organisers claim that half of the world's population is aged under 25, and 85% of those are living in less developed countries.

The group believes that a dedication to youth citizenship through sport and recreation will bring communities closer together, creating a prosperous and peaceful environment.

The symposium has been scheduled to complement the Croke Park Classic on Saturday, which will see the University of Central Florida host Penn State in their 2014 Season Opener.

Professor Pat Dolan is UNESCO Chair for Children, Youth and Civic Engagement at NUI Galway: