Global youth unemployment rose to 12.4% in 2025, totaling around 67 million people aged 15–24, as slower growth, geopolitical tensions, and weak job creation bite, with AI potentially adding pressure on labor markets.

Traditional entry‑level roles in offices, sales, and manufacturing are shrinking, making the education‑to‑work transition more difficult.

In developing economies, many youths work informally or insecurely with low incomes and little social protection, lifting NEET rates even when counted as employed.

Policy responses call for renewed investment in decent work, stronger labor market institutions, and expanded social protection to navigate technological change.

Analysts caution against overinterpreting the data, while emphasizing policy implications for youth employment resilience amid AI adoption.

AI is an immediate disruption, not a distant threat, with tangible effects on entry‑level and early‑career opportunities today.

ILO official urges robust skills development and lifelong learning to help youth adapt to AI risks and changing labor markets.

AI impact is likely concentrated in high‑income economies where adoption is advanced, with many roles transforming rather than disappearing.

The core challenge for this generation is securing stable, protected, long‑term employment amidst slow growth and rapid tech change.

Despite risks, demand grows in high‑skilled sectors like science, engineering, healthcare, and IT, underscoring the need for education and skill development.

AI and automation increase pressure by reducing traditional entry jobs while elevating demand for knowledge‑based technical roles, signaling a transition challenge rather than a simple shortage.

Policy implication: create jobs alongside skills training so young workers can adapt to evolving labor markets.