International Youth Day highlights global opportunities and employment challenges

International Youth Day highlights the diverse aspirations and challenges faced by young people globally. While youth across different contexts share common goals such as quality education and decent work, they face significant barriers to achieving them.

In Africa, the demographic trend presents both potential and economic pressure. With over 60 per cent of the sub-Saharan population under age 25, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates the continent must create more than 10 million decent jobs annually by 2035. Modernizing food systems is identified as a key opportunity to provide employment and move beyond traditional subsistence farming.

Other regional celebrations, such as those hosted by the Youth Services Unit, focus on the theme of advancing multilateral cooperation through technology and partnerships. These initiatives emphasize how young people can leverage digital tools, social media, and online forums to drive innovation, influence communities, and participate in decision-making processes.