Unemployment gravest challenge, hits youth 4 times harder in low-income nations: Yunus
He stressed that lasting global progress cannot be achieved without youth inclusion.
Highlights
- Youth unemployment four times higher than adults in poor countries
- Yunus says youth led Bangladesh's democratic transition
- Bangladesh launches National Youth Entrepreneur Policy
- Yunus urges global cooperation for youth inclusion
- Warns frustration may erupt into unrest without action
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said unemployment remains the gravest challenge facing the world today, noting that youth unemployment is up to four times higher than adult unemployment, particularly in low-income countries.
He stressed that lasting global progress cannot be achieved without youth inclusion.
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Speaking at the high-level meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth at the UN Headquarters today (25 September), Yunus underlined the urgent need to address the challenges facing young people.
"At eighty-five, I feel the depth of today's theme, 'Accelerating global progress through intergenerational collaboration.' Last year in Bangladesh, we witnessed the extraordinary power of youth. They rose with courage to end years of autocracy, reset our nation's course, and entrusted me with the responsibility of steering reforms and democratic transition," he said.
While young people are recognised globally as agents of change, Yunus said they remain disproportionately affected by persisting inequalities, conflicts, climate change, protectionism, and the digital divide.
"Above all, unemployment remains the gravest challenge. Youth unemployment is up to four times higher than adult unemployment, particularly in low-income countries. But, lasting global progress cannot be achieved without youth inclusion," the chief adviser added, saying, "Technology offers enormous promise for inclusion through innovation. But its benefits must not be placed behind walls of greed."
He highlighted Bangladesh's efforts, including the launch of a National Youth Entrepreneur Policy to provide finance, skills, and market access, enabling young people to become job creators rather than job seekers. Youth participation has also been ensured in independent reform commissions, alongside a National Policy Competition to embed their voices into the democratic renewal process.
Globally, Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh's support for the World Programme of Action for Youth, the Pact for the Future, the UN Youth Strategy 2030, and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
"No nation can ensure youth empowerment alone. Without global cooperation to dismantle barriers, ensure equity, and foster intergenerational leadership, frustration may erupt into unrest that spreads quickly across our interconnected world," Yunus warned.
He urged countries to give young people their rightful stake, safe space, and role in decision-making, saying, "I am confident they will choose wisely—for themselves, for the planet, and for our future."
The president of the General Assembly convened the high-level event that brought together UN Member States, young people, civil society, UN entities and other stakeholders.
The meeting was designed to spotlight ways in which meaningful youth participation and intergenerational collaboration can advance progress on WPAY and the broader youth agenda.
In 1995, the United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to young people by adopting the World Programme of Action for Youth.
It was the first global framework of its kind, offering practical guidance for both national action and international support to improve the lives of young people.
