World youth unemployment rate rose last year, says UN

The United Nations reported that global youth unemployment increased last year, reaching 12.4% as of 2025, from 12.3% the previous year. This rise in unemployment, which affects 67 million people aged 15 to 24, is primarily driven by technological advancements and economic factors. The International Labour Organization (ILO) report, Global Employment Trends for Youth 2026, highlights that high-income countries experienced the steepest increases, exacerbating the aspirations of young people as they enter the workforce.

The report also noted that the share of young individuals not in employment, education, or training (NEET) rose slightly to 20%, impacting over 257 million people. Sub-regional trends revealed the highest youth unemployment rates in northern Africa (26.2%), northern America (22.6%), northern, southern, and western Europe. The ILO emphasized the need for more research on the impact of artificial intelligence on the jobs market, as young people are increasingly anxious about job security due to technological disruptions.