Topic portal
Youth employment
The Global Youth Employment Challenges
Even in the best of times, young people faced a tough situation in the labour market. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic they were around three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. The crisis now threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities within and between countries.
67 million
The estimated total global number of unemployed youths in 2025
20%
The share of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) in 2025
2 times
Young women are 2 times more likely to be in NEET status than young men.
Global Employment Trends for Youth 2026
New ILO report finds global youth unemployment rising, with some of the sharpest increases in higher-income economies and more young people outside employment, education or training.
News and stories
Trade for Decent Work Project in Mongolia - Phase 2
Young workers strengthen their knowledge of labour rights and decent work in Mongolia
Turning trade and investment potential into more and better jobs in Lebanon
Key Initiatives
The ILO’s Youth Employment Action Plan (YEAP) 2020-30
The Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth
The YouthForesight Knowledge Facility: Collective Knowledge that Works for Youth
The Green Jobs for Youth Pact
Latest publications and documents
E-Waste for Youth Employment in Limpopo
Statistical profile of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Kenya's fodder sector skills assessment
Skills gap assessment in the fodder sector that promotes inclusive decent employment and productive livelihood in Nakuru, Narok and Kajiado...
Training on Youth Employment
Capacity building on Youth Employment
Projects
Project
Economic empowerment and resilience for at-risk families in Jericho and the Jordan Valley
ESDC-Funded Project
Expanding Action on Forced Labour and Child Labour to Advance Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) in Malaysia
Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus
Enterprise development for social cohesion and economic resilience