UNDP warns of an 800 million youth jobs challenge — a risk, not today’s unemployment count

The United Nations relayed a UN Development Programme warning on October 13: roughly 800 million young people will enter labour markets in developing economies over the coming years and may not find work without further action. It would be misleading to describe them as 800 million people already unemployed.

The challenge is the gap between new jobseekers and decent jobs. A diploma does not create a vacancy, and GDP growth does not guarantee a graduate employment near home. Firms, infrastructure, practical skills and incentives to hire young workers all matter.

UNDP announced two initiatives intended to encourage investment and employment. Their effect should eventually be measured in jobs created, pay, employment stability and access for women and young people outside major cities.

For Kazakhstan, free education is most useful when it leads to demonstrable skills, projects and links to employers. Governments and businesses must also create demand for labour; young people cannot carry the whole burden.

Source: https://www.un.org/en/800-million-young-people-face-future-without-jobs