The United Nations Development Programme warned that young people entering labour markets in developing economies could face a severe shortage of jobs over the next 15 years. Its administrator, Alexander De Croo, outlined initiatives intended to increase investment and expand employment opportunities.
According to the projections cited in the announcement, approximately 1.2 billion young people could enter the workforce during that period, while only around 400 million jobs would be available under current expectations. The resulting gap could leave hundreds of millions without sufficient opportunities.
UNDP introduced an Investment Accelerator to help countries prepare projects and improve conditions for investment, alongside a Jobs for Prosperity Facility intended to connect investment with employment in sectors capable of expanding their workforces.
The agency said developing countries were also facing high borrowing costs, energy pressures and climate-related disruptions. It called for investment that supports decent work, productive businesses and longer-term economic resilience.
