Last year saw a reduction in global unemployment rates. Still, projections from the International Labour Organization suggest that little improvement can be expected in 2024 — with an extra 2 million workers projected to be looking for jobs. Productivity growth and living standards also remain stagnant — even amid technological advancements — leaving over 125 million young people living in poverty despite working.
Yet, Lena Xinyu Yan, a technical officer at ILO's youth employment accelerator, said there is potential that the increasing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, together with the development of digital technologies, drive the creation of decent jobs, particularly in transitioning to low-carbon and circular economies.
Yan said unlocking this potential hinges on policies and measures that prioritize a “just and equitable green transition” alongside efforts to reskill and upskill the workforce, especially among vulnerable groups.
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About the author
Katrina J. Lane
Katrina Lane is an Editorial Strategist and Reporter at Devex. She writes on ecologies and social inclusion, and also supports the creation of partnership content at Devex. She holds a degree in Psychology from Warwick University, offering a unique perspective on the cognitive frameworks and social factors that influence responses to global issues.
