The global survey ‘What Young People Want’ found that many participants are focused on getting the right education, skills, and abilities to enter the workforce and have successful careers. These findings will be used in the Global Forum for Adolescents happening in October 2023.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 shows that youth employment hasn’t fully recovered after the pandemic.
All around the world, millions of young people are advocating for better opportunities to learn and develop skills that will prepare them for future jobs. The survey “What Young People Want,” conducted by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), reveals that most of the 700,000-plus respondents view education, skills, and employment as vital for a secure and wealthy future.
Respondents were asked to share what they want to improve their well-being, and the presentation below highlights the most common words they used.
The ongoing survey aims to gather the opinions of over a million young individuals before it ends. The final results will provide insights for the Global Forum for Adolescents planned for October 2023.
Boosting Children’s Digital Intelligence
How is the World Economic Forum boosting children’s digital intelligence?
Recent data shows that 56% of children aged 8-12 in 29 countries are revealed to at least one major online risk, like online harassment, extreme video game usage, inappropriate online behavior, or interacting with strangers on the internet.
Using the Forum’s global platform, the DQ Every Child initiative works to raise the digital intelligence quotient (DQ) of these kids, leading to a 15% reduction in cyber risks. The DQ Global Standards Report 2019, launched in March 2019, set the first-ever global standard for digital literacy, skills, and readiness in education and technology sectors.
Through our initiative focused on Shaping the Future of Media, Information, and Entertainment, we’ve brought together key players to improve children’s global digital intelligence. To learn more, check out our detailed account about DQ Citizenship.
Empowering Adolescents to Shape Their Own Futures
Initial results from the survey show that young people are very aware of the upcoming challenges they’ll face as adults. From high living costs to disturbance caused by the pandemic, climate issues, and conflicts, young people worldwide recognize the need to equip themselves with essential knowledge and skills for future jobs.
A significant number of participants indicated that their top priority is gaining the education, skills, and abilities needed to enter the job market and have successful careers. This preference is particularly strong among those aged 15-19 and young women, who often stress the importance of “learning opportunities” and “quality education.”
Effects of the Pandemic Persisting
The outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to intensify the difficulties faced by young individuals, especially in lower and middle-income regions. School closures have resulted in substantial learning gaps, with up to 70% of 10-year-olds in these areas struggling with basic reading comprehension.
The survey’s findings align with the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, which highlights the pandemic’s ongoing impact on global youth employment prospects.
In many parts of the world, the lack of job opportunities for young people remains high compared to before the pandemic. Regions like Southern Asia, Latin America, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe are experiencing slower recoveries.
To overcome these challenges and ensure that young people are ready for digital economy jobs, the Forum’s report stresses the urgent need to address skills gaps and invest in education and training. It’s crucial to match young people’s skills with what businesses need to ensure they have the right abilities.
By giving young people the skills they need and creating supportive environments, we can empower them to make positive changes and contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future for everyone.
Conclusion
The “What Young People Want” survey reveals their focus on education and skills for careers. Global Forum for Adolescents will use these insights. Post-pandemic, youth employment remains challenging. Young people demand skill development. Education is crucial for a secure future. Bridging skills gaps is vital. Empowering youth is key for a better future.
