It is a global partnership, unique in its’ kind, that seeks to improve economic perspectives among young people who enter the labour market

The global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth was launched at the UN headquarters by Guy Ryder, General Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), during the opening the UN Youth Forum.

The UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB) , comprised by 29 directors of every UN organization, ratified the initiative as a vital priority. In addition the youth employment challenge was included as a central goal of the new and ambitious development vision of the UN, as shown in the recently subscribed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 

Guy Ryder said that it is a unique partnership with governments, the UN system, businesses, academic institutions, youth organizations and other groups to scale-up action to create new opportunities and avenues for quality employment in the global economy and “assist young people in developing the skills needed to compete in today’s job market”.

ILO’s director encouraged youth to become “fully engaged” and be active agents of change. “Your voices reflect the aspirations of young people everywhere. Your voices must be heard and acted upon if we are to shape inclusive and sustainable societies, challenging injustices and inequalities and opening pathways to peace, progress and prosperity for all.”

“Today, two out of every five young persons of working age are either unemployed or working jobs that don’t pay enough to escape poverty. The trap of working poverty affects as many as 169 million youth. In low-income countries, the situation is even worse where nine in ten young workers remain in informal employment which is sporadic, poorly paid and falls outside the protection of law,” added Ryder.

 In consultation with governments, the initiative will coordinate employment and economic policies for job growth and social inclusion and protect labour rights to ensure that young people receive equal treatment. The Initiative will make full use of the expertise of participating UN entities and other partners by focusing on “green jobs” for youth, quality apprenticeships, digital skills and the building of “tech-hubs”, support young people in the rural economy, facilitate transition from the informal to the formal economy and promote youth entrepreneurship.

In closing, Ryder stated that all partners engaged in this initiative must also “keep pace with rapid technological developments that are impacting the labour markets and the skills we need in so many different ways. Our challenge is to continuously find new and innovative solutions as we look into the future of work. The challenge is clear and our response should be equally clear and resolute.”

Source: ILO