Global Youth Unemployment Hits 67 Million in 2025

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reported that in 2025, 67 million youths aged 15 to 24 were unemployed globally, reflecting a youth unemployment rate of 12.4%. The ILO's report, titled "Global Employment Trends for Youth 2026: Back to the Future," indicates that over 257 million young people worldwide were neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET), representing 20% of the global youth population.

The report identifies weak economic growth, shrinking entry-level jobs, and rapid technological changes as key factors exacerbating the youth jobs crisis. ILO Director-General Gilbert F.

Houngbo warned of severe economic and social consequences if young people remain locked out of quality employment. The report also noted that youth unemployment increased in eight of the world’s 11 subregions from 2023 to 2025, with particularly high rates in the Arab States and Northern Africa at 26.2% and 22.6%, respectively.

Additionally, nearly 90% of young workers in low-and lower-middle-income countries are employed informally, lacking stable incomes and protections.