Investing in Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment

Numbering 1.8 billion, youth represent a quarter of the world’s population and will continue to impact the economies and societies of the future. Young people can bring innovative and imaginative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Yet with approximately 74 million youth unemployed, many will not realise this potential if they are denied opportunities to pursue decent work and contribute fully to economic and social development. Rather than wait for jobs to become available, many entrepreneurial young people are starting their own business and creating jobs for themselves and others. Established businesses can also promote entrepreneurship and have the potential to also benefit by supporting and investing in youth-owned enterprises.