The global labor market outlook for young people has shown significant improvement over the past four years, with further progress anticipated in the coming two years, according to the latest report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
However, despite the positive trend, the report, titled “Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024” (GET for Youth), raises concerns about persistent challenges that continue to fuel anxiety among young job seekers.
The 2023 youth unemployment rate, at 13 percent—equivalent to 64.9 million young people—marks a 15-year low and a notable drop from the pre-pandemic rate of 13.8 percent in 2019. The ILO predicts a further decline to 12.8 percent this year and next.
Despite these encouraging statistics, the recovery remains uneven across regions. Youth unemployment rates in the Arab States, East Asia, and Southeast Asia and the Pacific were higher in 2023 than in 2019, highlighting the regional disparities in economic recovery.
A major concern highlighted in the report is the number of 15- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training (NEET). In 2023, 20.4 percent of young people globally were NEET, with two-thirds being female. The lack of progress in securing decent jobs continues to plague young workers, with more than half engaged in informal employment. This is especially pronounced in low-income countries, where three in four young workers are limited to self-employment or temporary paid jobs.
Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General, stressed the importance of decent work for youth as a cornerstone of stable, inclusive, and just societies. “None of us can look forward to a stable future when millions of young people around the world do not have decent work and, as a result, feel insecure and unable to build a better life for themselves and their families,” he said.
The report also underscores the gender disparity in labor market recovery. While youth unemployment rates for young women and men were nearly equal in 2023 (12.9 percent for women and 13 percent for men), the global NEET rate for young women was more than double that of young men (28.1 percent vs. 13.1 percent).
The authors of the GET for Youth report urge young people to use their voices to demand change and advocate for decent work. “You have the possibility to influence policy and to advocate for decent work for all. Know your rights and continue investing in your skills,” they encouraged.
Reflecting on long-term trends, the report notes limited growth in “modern” services and manufacturing jobs for youth, emphasizing the need for modernization in traditional sectors through digitalization and AI. It also highlights the mismatch between high-skill job availability and the supply of educated youth, particularly in middle-income countries. The ongoing demand for green and digital skills necessitates keeping skills development aligned with evolving job market demands.
Furthermore, the report warns that growing conflicts threaten young people’s future livelihoods, potentially pushing them towards migration or extremism. The demographic trend of a “youthquake” in Africa further underscores the critical need for creating enough decent jobs to ensure social justice and economic stability.
The ILO calls for increased and more effective investment in job creation, with a particular focus on opportunities for young women. Strengthening institutions that support youth during labor market transitions, integrating employment and social protection, and addressing global inequalities through international cooperation are vital steps toward building a brighter future for the world’s young people.
As the ILO report marks its 20-year anniversary, it reflects on the achievements and challenges faced in improving youth employment prospects over the past two decades. In an era characterized by crises and uncertainties, the report emphasizes the urgent need for renewed commitment to creating a socially just and inclusive world for future generations.