The International Labour Organization (ILO) has underscored the urgent need to address youth unemployment, emphasizing that creating decent jobs is critical for both social justice and the global economy. Their latest data reveals that despite global youth unemployment dropping to 13% in 2023, recovery has been uneven. Regions such as East Asia, the Arab States, and South-East Asia have seen rising youth unemployment rates.
Beyond unemployment, over one in five young people are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEETs). The situation is graver for young women, who make up two-thirds of NEETs. The ILO also highlights challenges in finding secure jobs, with many youths relegated to temporary positions without social protection, especially in low-income countries.
The pressures faced by young job-seekers are stark. Despite being the most educated cohort ever, a significant share of Gen Z faces employment insecurity. The ILO calls for immediate action to create more equitable job opportunities, spotlighting ongoing gender bias and inequality that disproportionately impact young women and minorities.
Youth in middle-income countries particularly struggle due to a shortage of high-skill jobs, while growth in modern services and manufacturing remains limited. Proper alignment of educational outcomes with evolving green and digital skill demands is essential to mitigate job-market mismatches.
ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo stresses that millions of young people missing opportunities for a better future jeopardize global stability. The call to action is clear: without equitable access to education and decent employment, the prospects for both young individuals and broader society remain precarious.
Original Story https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2024/08/1153056
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