Labor market One in five young people has no work, education or training
According to a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), one in five young people worldwide is not in employment, education or training. Two thirds of those affected are young women, the UN organization reported in Geneva.
12.08.2024, 00:30
12.08.2024, 00:33
SDA
"Peaceful societies are based on three core components: Stability, inclusion for all and social justice," said ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo. "Decent work for young people is at the heart of all three."
According to the ILO report, the proportion of 15 to 24-year-olds worldwide who were not in employment, education or training in 2023 was 20.4 percent. It has only improved by three percentage points since the surveys began in 2005. The ILO calls this category "NEET": not in employment, education or training.
Unemployment falling
Specifically, unemployment in this age group is falling. Last year, 13 percent of people were unemployed, the lowest figure since surveys began. This affected 64.9 million people between the ages of 15 and 24. However, these statistics only include people who are actively looking for work.
There is a big difference between the regions. While young people in the USA and parts of Europe had almost no problems finding work, the opposite was the case in the Arab countries and in East and Southeast Asia, according to the ILO. There is not enough work in many countries.
Many young people fear for their jobs
Many young people are worried. Two thirds feared losing their jobs. Young people are often employed on fixed-term contracts and are the first to be laid off in times of crisis. "This shows that something is wrong with our labor markets," said Houngbo.
The ILO called on its 187 member countries to offer more training places and to ensure that young people learn what is needed in the labor market.
