Vietnam youth employment faces challenges from AI and green transition

A seminar organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Hanoi addressed the evolving landscape of youth employment in Vietnam. Key drivers of change identified include digital transformation, artificial intelligence, the green transition, population aging, and shifts in global supply chains.

Data from the General Statistics Office indicates that in the second quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate for Vietnamese youth aged 15 to 24 was 8.67%, nearly four times the general unemployment rate. Additionally, approximately 1.4 million young people in Vietnam are classified as NEET (not in employment, education, or training).

Experts emphasized that job quality is as critical as unemployment rates. In 2024, 57.5% of youth employment in Vietnam was informal, and only 41.4% of young workers participated in social insurance. This suggests a significant portion of the youth workforce lacks necessary protections and opportunities for skill development, making them vulnerable to economic fluctuations.