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.
65 million
The estimated total global number of unemployed youths in 2023
20.4%
The share of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) in 2023
2 times
Young women are 2 times more likely to be in NEET status than young men.
Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024
This 20th anniversary publication provides the latest statistics and analysis on labour market outcomes for youth.
News and articles

ILO and Digital Cooperation Organization forge partnership to advance inclusive and sustainable digital economies
PROSPECTS Impact
With ILO’s assistance young entrepreneurs wash away unemployment challenges
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
Most recent publications
A Just Transition With and For Youth
ILO Working paper 137
The untapped potential of disadvantaged young people for apprenticeships in skilled trades
Training on Youth Employment
Capacity building on Youth Employment
Projects
HO(SPITABLE) RE(SILIENT) CA(PABLE): Support to the labour market integration of young people in the hospitality and tourism sector in Kosovo
EU-ILO Technical Assistance Facility on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee in the Western Balkans: Innovation in youth employment...