The Global Challenge
Learn more about creating jobs for young people and the need for bold and innovative solutions.
There are 1.2 billion people ages 15 to 24 globally and 1.1 billion live in the Global South. Almost 75 percent of them reside in three regions: South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
By 2033, 400 million are expected to be employed, and 500 million will remain in education—leaving 300 million youth neither in education nor employment.
Of the 300 million who will remain inactive or not in education, employment, or training (NEET), two out of three are female. Many of them are from low and middle-income countries.
PRESSING ISSUES
MIGRATION
By 2050, high-income countries could face a 750 million worker shortage. This gap can be partly filled by youth from low- and lower-middle income countries with the necessary human capital investments.
VULNERABLE WOMEN
Lack of employment opportunities can lead youth towards inactivity and young women are particularly at risk due to certain conditions such as early marriage, care duties, or societal norms.
LOW QUALITY JOBS
Young workers are likely to be self-employed or have temporary paid jobs. More than 80% of the workforce in low-income countries rely on self-employment. This lack of alternatives is often associated with low earnings and productivity.
YOUTH ARE OUR FUTURE
Young people are not just beneficiaries but problem solvers who can shape policies that affect them.
