COVID-19 and its economic fallout hit young people hardest in the job market, especially those aged 15 to 24, who were most likely to be neither employed nor in school or training during the past years. The impact is seen across regions, with youth facing disrupted pathways into work and education that linger beyond the initial crisis.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that the 2020 share of unemployed or out-of-school youth remained high, representing about one in four youths globally, roughly 23.3% and up by 1.5 percentage points from the previous year. This figure underscores how fragile youth employment often is during shocks and how gaps in training and opportunities compound over time.
A recent ILO report on youth employment highlights that prospects for young workers could continue to decline if targeted policies are not put in place. Without action, labor market opportunities for young people risk narrowing further as economies recover gradually from the pandemic’s impact. These concerns are echoed by industry analysts who point out that volatility in the international economy can push youth unemployment higher in uncertain times.
Gender disparities persist in NEET statistics, with younger women more likely than their male peers to be outside the labor market or educational pathways, indicating a need for gender-responsive youth policies.
The gap between housing costs and income remains a barrier to youth independence and economic participation, complicating efforts for young people to establish financial stability and move toward greater self-sufficiency.
The global youth unemployment picture
The youth unemployment rate around the world stood at 15.6% in 2021, roughly triple the rate for adults, equating to about 75 million young people worldwide who were seeking work but could not find it. While the ILO projects some improvement, unemployment among youth could still rise in the mid-term if policies do not keep pace with changing conditions in labor markets.
Recovery is uneven across regions and income groups. In many low- and middle-income countries, the pace of improvement remains slow, and the gender gap in youth unemployment shows limited signs of closing. By the end of the year, only high-income countries might reach pre-pandemic levels, while other regions could still show elevated unemployment rates for young people. The situation is complicated by ongoing global tensions, including crises that affect regional economies differently.
Policy analysts warn that the conflict in Europe and the broader global environment could weigh on job prospects for young people, particularly in Europe and Central Asia, where unemployment among the youth was already a concern and projected to remain above the world average in the near term.
Public policies to support young workers
Experts emphasize public measures that boost youth employment, with a focus on decent work, green growth, and digital economies, which offer growing opportunities for a range of skill levels. The aim is to align youth labor supply with sectors that show resilience and potential for expansion, while ensuring safe and fair working conditions.
Applying sustainable economic policies could generate a substantial number of new jobs for young people, including opportunities tied to responsible use of natural resources and ocean economies. These pathways emphasize long-term gains rather than short-term fixes.
Another notable driver of job creation is universal broadband access, which can unlock new work opportunities and support digital inclusion. If achieved, broadband expansion could contribute a meaningful net increase in youth employment, with millions of new roles supported or enabled by better connectivity.
Investment in health and education remains crucial. Strengthening these sectors supports youth retention in the labor market and broadens education pathways, laying the groundwork for more robust workforce participation. ILO projections suggest additional gains could be realized by 2030 if sufficient resources are directed toward these areas, reinforcing the link between health, learning, and employment outcomes for young people. [citation attribution: ILO projections and policy analysis]