- Too many young people without work, education or training
One in five young people worldwide is neither employed nor in education or training, according to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The proportion is too high, the UN agency in Geneva reports. Two-thirds of those affected are young women.
"Peaceful societies rest on three core components: stability, inclusion of all, and social justice," said ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo. "Decent work for youth is the cornerstone for all three."
The proportion of those without employment, education, or training was 20.4 percent among 15- to 24-year-olds worldwide in 2023, according to the ILO report. It has improved by only three percentage points since records began in 2005. The ILO categorizes this as "NEET": not in employment, education or training.
Unemployment is falling
Specifically, unemployment in this age group is falling. In 2022, 13 percent were unemployed, the lowest since records began. This affected 64.9 million people aged 15 to 24. However, this statistic only includes those actively seeking work.
The difference between regions is significant. While young people in the US and parts of Europe had little trouble finding work, the opposite was true in Arab countries and East and Southeast Asia, according to ILO data. Many countries lack sufficient jobs.
Many young people fear for their jobs
Many young people are concerned. Two-thirds fear losing their jobs. Young people often have fixed-term contracts and are the first to be laid off during crises. "This shows that something is wrong with our labor markets," said Houngbo.
The ILO calls on its 187 member countries to offer more training places and ensure that young people learn what is needed in the labor market.
The ILO, in its report, highlights the need for member countries to provide more training places, recognizing the concern among many young people who fear losing their jobs due to their vulnerability in the labor market. This initiative aligns with the ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo's belief that decent work for youth is essential for societal stability, inclusion, and social justice.
