In the international development community, experts and advocates have spent years warning about the threat posed by growing youth joblessness. As a sector, we must sound like a broken record sometimes, constantly urging decision-makers to address the marginalization of young people.
A hard truth to swallow, however, is that many young people perceive international development organizations as failing to “walk their own talk” on this issue. Yes, we are right to demand that governments and private sector companies act to reduce youth unemployment, but there is also more our sector can do to give meaningful work opportunities to young people.
Today, almost half of the world’s population (48.9 percent, according to Euromonitor International) is under 30, and the proportion is generally much higher in developing countries. Young people are pivotal to national development, have proven capability to lead change, and should be empowered to realize their potential. This generation should be seen as assets to the workforce, bringing fresh ideas and unique perspectives — and not as not merely passive recipients of our support.
About the author
Katherine Ellis
Katherine Ellis is director of youth at the Commonwealth Secretariat. With over 20 years in the private, public and civil society sectors with extensive expertise in youth development, organizational leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration, she is responsible for promoting the social, political and economic empowerment of young people across the 53 Commonwealth member countries.