World youth unemployment rate rose last year: UN
Global youth unemployment rose last year, the United Nations said Tuesday, with some of the steepest increases seen in high-income countries as artificial intelligence begins to change the jobs market.
Global youth unemployment increased to 12.4 percent last year, according to the United Nations, up from 12.3 percent in 2024. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that this rise affects 67 million young people aged 15 to 24. Additionally, the share of young people neither employed, in education, nor training (NEET) climbed slightly to 20 percent, impacting more than 257 million individuals.
The UN's labor agency attributes the higher rates to slowing global economic growth, fewer job opportunities, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological advancements. These factors are making it challenging for young people to transition from education to stable employment. The ILO anticipates the youth unemployment rate to remain steady at 12.3 percent in 2026 and 2027.
Nevertheless, the agency warns that when both the youth unemployment rate and NEET rate rise, it signals significant concerns. Experts express worry that artificial intelligence may further exacerbate job displacement among young people, leading to fears about job security and income stability. The ILO emphasizes the need for more research to understand the impact of AI on the labor market.
The organization also notes that traditional entry-level jobs, such as office work, sales, and manufacturing, are declining, posing challenges for young job seekers. High youth unemployment in sub-regions like northern Africa, northern America, and Europe indicates persistent structural barriers that hinder young talent, especially young women, from participating fully in the economy.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
