The current economic crisis has hit young people hard. Of the world's estimated 211 million unemployed people in 2009, nearly 40 per cent—or about 81 million—are between 15 and 24 years of age.1 More youth are poor or underemployed than ever before: some 152 million young people work but live in households that earn less than the equivalent of US$1.25 per day. Millions of young people are trapped in temporary and involuntary part-time or casual work that offers few benefits and limited prospects for advancement at work and in life. Young women often face additional barriers.
Young people today build the foundations for the economies and societies of tomorrow. They bring energy, talent and creativity to economies and make important contributions as productive workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, agents of change and as members of civil society. Yet the lack of sufficient or sustainable decent work makes young people extremely vulnerable. The youth employment crisis is not only an integral element of the broader general employment situation, it has specific dimensions.
Decent and productive employment for youth is a major component of the Millennium Declaration. Achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women and youth, is a target of MDG 1 which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
1 ILO, Global Employment Trends for Youth , August 2010.
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