UN Labor Organization Warns of New Crisis in Youth Job Market

A new crisis threatens the global job market for young people, according to the United Nations' International Labour Organization (ILO).

The ILO's latest report indicates that youth unemployment has risen, reversing improvements seen after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past year, approximately 67 million young people aged 15 to 24 were jobless, resulting in an unemployment rate of 12.4 percent. This rate has increased since 2023, signaling a worsening trend in both the quantity and quality of available jobs for young workers.

Geopolitical tensions, decelerating economic growth, and rapid technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), are cited as primary drivers of this job scarcity. The ILO specifically notes a decline in mid-skill positions, such as office, administrative, sales, and manufacturing roles, which have historically served as crucial entry points for graduates. The report cautions that AI could further exacerbate this trend, although its long-term effects remain uncertain.

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The situation is deteriorating almost everywhere.

"The situation is deteriorating almost everywhere," the report states, with youth unemployment increasing between 2023 and 2025 in eight of the eleven global regions. Notably, some of the most significant increases have occurred in higher-income countries. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo warned of the consequences, including a generation growing up without trust, loss of talent and productivity for nations, and a potential decline in social cohesion.

The report also highlights that over 257 million young people are not in employment, education, or training, with this figure slightly increasing to 20 percent. This situation represents a significant loss of potential and a challenge for global development.

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A generation without trust is growing up. Countries are losing talent and productivity, and they suffer from a lack of social cohesion.