There are currently 1.3 billion young people (ages 12-24) in developing countries. They are the largest ever cohort to enter the labor force. They are more educated and healthier than previous generations. They are also the next generation of workers, entrepreneurs and leaders. Countries need to seize this opportunity so young people can make a productive contribution to the economy and poverty reduction.
Yet in many countries youth face significant difficulties in their transition to work. Some begin working too early, others cannot enter the work force, still others get stuck in low productivity work. Poverty can exacerbate outcomes such as school drop out rates and joblessness. Slow economic growth and rigid labor markets limit employment creation for young people. Lack of skills and experience often constrains youth from taking advantage of employment opportunities, while limited access to information and networks undermine young people's ability to create their own work and livelihoods. For so many young women the transition to work never takes place. Finally, many disadvantaged youth such as child laborers, young soldiers, disabled youth and youth with HIV/AIDS, need a second chance to reintegrate into the workforce.
As part of a larger emphasis on encouraging human capital investment and employment, the World Bank focus on youth employment is gaining momentum. This focus follows the publication of the World Development Report 2007 and responds to strong demand from many countries for policies and best practice on how to address youth employment issues. Some of these activities are listed under the following youth employment topic resources:
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