Better Education, Healthcare, and Job Training for South Asia's 400 Million Young People Could Produce Surging Economic Growth and Sharply Reduce Poverty

South Asia has an estimated 400 million young people aged 12-24, or about 30% of all youth in developing countries.

Investing in better education, healthcare, and job training for young people could produce surging economic growth and sharply reduce poverty, says the World Development Report 2007.

Key World Development Report recommendations for South Asia:

• Take advantage of South Asia's demographic "window of opportunity"
  The expected increase in working age population offers a tremendous opportunity for economic growth in South Asia, provided that the greater labor supply is productively employed, and that saving and investment increase.
  
• Expand opportunities for education and employment
  Over 20% of firms in Bangladesh rate inadequate skills and education of workers as a major or severe obstacle to their operations.
  
• Invest more in nutrition, maternal healthcare and family planning education
  Between 15-20% of female deaths in South Asia are pregnancy-related. Adolescent mothers face an increased risk of death or delivery complications owing to incomplete physical growth.
  
• Increase youth access to information; capacity to make and act on decisions
  Better access to relevant information can reduce health-related risk-taking behavior among young people.
  
• Improve opportunities for civic engagement among young people
  Without chances for productive civic engagement, young people's frustrations may become violent and lead to social and economic instability.
  
• Offer integrated "second chance" options
  While policies that expand opportunities and help young people choose wisely are highest priority, countries should consider "second chance" options for those left behind. Integrate such programs with mainstream programs.

More Information on Youth in South Asia

Youth in South Asia, from WDR 2007 website

South Asia Regional Highlights (in Hindi, pdf)

More Information on WDR 2007

WDR 2007 website

Full text & Overview of the World Development Report

Press release: Urgent Need to Invest More in Developing World's Record Youth Population, Says World Development Report

Feature story: A Call for Action for the World’s Youth

Audio and video clips

For youth: Youthink, the World Bank's website for youth has special package on WDR for young audience