Published on: 2026-06-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Developing countries face an unprecedented challenge in the employment sphere: over the next decade, about 1.2 billion young people will reach working age. This is stated in the World Bank report.“Global employment problem”.
The authors warn that this wave of youth will become the largest in modern history. At the same time, the global economy is experiencing a period of slowing growth, which limits the opportunities for creating new jobs.
According to the estimates given in the study, by 2035 only a little more than 400 million young people will be able to find work. Another approximately 300 million risk remaining outside of employment, education, and professional training.
Historical challenge
The most acute problem will be felt in the countries of Africa south of the Sahara. According to forecasts, by 2035 there will be more than 330 million young people living there — almost two and a half times more than in 2000. A significant growth in the youth population is also expected in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
The report emphasizes that job creation is crucial for development. Work provides people with a sense of purpose and dignity, promotes social cohesion and stability, and also plays a key role in reducing poverty and ensuring overall prosperity.
Opportunity for development
Experts of the World Bank note that the current generation of young people is better educated than the previous ones. If countries manage to ensure their employment, this could become a powerful stimulus for economic growth, strengthening domestic demand, and improving well-being.
The World Bank recommends focusing on three key areas: developing infrastructure, creating a favorable business environment, and mobilizing private capital. According to the authors of the study, it was precisely these factors that formed the basis for the successful creation of jobs in the past.
Special attention is recommended to be paid to sectors capable of ensuring large-scale job creation: infrastructure and energy, agriculture and agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and processing industry.
Choice for decades ahead
The authors emphasize that demographic processes develop slowly, but have a huge impact on the future of countries. The main question is whether the governments of developing states, with the support of the international community, will be able to turn the growing number of young people into a source of economic growth, or whether demographic pressure will become an obstacle to development.
The World Bank notes that job creation remains one of the most important tools in the fight against poverty and in raising living standards. In a changing world, a key task is to provide the next generation not only with a greater number of jobs, but also with higher quality employment.
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