International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August. The day honours the traits of young people and also acknowledges the challenges they experience in the world. It is a day of reflection and also a day to commit to action.
According to the World Youth Report (2020), there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population. Africa has the youngest population in the world. In 2021, there were approximately 650 million people aged 17 years and younger on the continent.
International Youth Day: Watch the Top 10 Countries With The Youngest Population:
The youth are the future but also play a significant role in the present.
Globally, youth face high levels of unemployment. Youth unemployment negatively affects the individual, family and community. It causes low self-esteem and increases the risk of mental health problems like depression.
International Youth Day: Watch The Top 10 Countries With The Highest Unemployment Rate:
Young people are in a vulnerable state in the labour market. Young people across the world aren’t able to identify or acquire the skills needed for today’s job market, contributing to a global skills gap and exacerbating youth unemployment. According to this report, around 3 in 4 youth lack skills needed for employment.
For the labor market to function well, we must do a better job of skilling and supporting young people for a successful future.
International Youth Day: Watch The 7 Skills Young People Need For The Future Workforce:
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