The shadow of youth unemployment looms over global economies as a persistent threat, but for David Okoth, a labor economist leading an international initiative, the current situation has reached "catastrophe" levels. Okoth, Director of the Global Youth Employment Program, warns that unemployment rates among 15- to 24-year-olds have not only been slow to recover post-pandemic but in many regions now far exceed pre-pandemic levels, creating a generation at risk of permanent economic exclusion. His warning comes as bodies like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank release alarming data, noting that young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults—a gap that has widened over the past decade.
The context of this crisis is multifaceted. The COVID-19 pandemic massively disrupted education and entry-level job opportunities, but underlying structural problems were already present: education systems misaligned with labor market demands, rapid automation eliminating entry-level jobs, and a widespread lack of effective training and internship programs. In regions like Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, youth unemployment rates regularly exceed 25%, and in some countries reach 40% or more. Even in more robust economies, young people face a reality of precarious work, stagnant wages, and growing competition in the gig economy.
"It is a catastrophe not just because of the numbers, but because of the human cost and the wasted potential," Okoth stated in an exclusive interview. "Every unemployed or underemployed young person represents untapped talent, lost innovation, and a weaker economic future for all. We are seeing the effects in real time: increased economic migration, social unrest, and a deep distrust in institutions." Okoth emphasizes that the problem goes beyond a lack of jobs; it's a lack of "decent work" that offers security, career prospects, and a living wage. ILO data supports this, showing that over 75% of employed youth globally work in the informal economy, often without social protection or basic labor rights.
The battle to reverse this trend, according to Okoth, requires coordinated and bold action on multiple fronts. His program advocates for what he calls the "Triple A": Access (to quality education and training), Alignment (between skills taught and those demanded by employers), and Opportunity (creating enabling environments for businesses, especially SMEs, to hire youth). This includes massively expanding work-based apprenticeships, subsidizing wages for first hires in strategic sectors like green tech and healthcare, and reforming education systems to prioritize digital, socio-emotional, and entrepreneurial skills. "Governments cannot do it alone," he asserts. "We need a social compact where the private sector takes a leadership role in training and hiring, and where civil society provides safety nets and support."
The impact of inaction is profound and long-lasting. An economically lost generation could mean unsustainable pressure on pension systems, lower global GDP growth, and a perpetuated cycle of poverty. Furthermore, economic frustration is a known breeding ground for political instability. Okoth's conclusion is clear: tackling youth unemployment is not an expense, it is the most critical investment societies can make for their own future stability and prosperity. The time for rhetoric is over; the era of bold implementation and public-private cooperation must begin now, before the "catastrophe" becomes an irreversible reality for millions.
