The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers 17 goals, the eighth of which is "decent work and economic growth", namely: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. 

Under this major goal, there are twelve targets, the last of which is "By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization".

● Current Situation

About the World

COVID-19 Pandemic Hurting Youth Employment 

The COVID-19 crisis has severely affected labour markets around the world, hurting young people more than other age groups. Globally, youth employment fell by 8.7 per cent in 2020. 

Photo source: sohu.com

Recovery in youth employment started quickly in several countries in the third quarter of 2020 as lockdown measures were eased. However, available data suggested that the situation in the last quarter of 2020 deteriorated again in a number of countries.

The share of young people not in employment, education or training has risen in many countries and has not yet returned to pre-crisis levels in most cases.  

Text source: ilo.org

About China

Downward Trend for Youth Labour Participation 

When discussing youth employment, the International Labour Organization usually refers to the population aged 15-24 as youth. Due to the differences in the employment statistical system, the starting statistical age of China's working age population is 16 years old. According to China's official statistics, young people are generally divided into two groups: 16-19 years old and 20-24 years old.

Photo source: baidu.com

China's youth labor participation rate has shown a downward trend in recent years, and the decline rate of young women's labor participation rate is faster than that of men. The youth unemployment rate is high, but usually they can find new jobs quickly after unemployment, and the duration of unemployment is short. The proportion of youth looking for a job by digital means such as online media is high.

Text source: rmlt.com.cn

●  Cases

About the World

Australian Government Encouraged Unemployed Youth to Take Vocational Training

On 5 May 2020, the Department of Education, Skills and Employment announced the first round of Australian government's Commonwealth Scholarships program for young Australians with more than 50 scholarship projects have been provided to young people qualified for vocational education and training in areas with high youth unemployment. 

Photo source: baidu.com

The program is part of the Australian government's $585 million "Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow" program. These scholarships support young students through vocational education and training by providing up to $10000 in learning assistance and a $3000 internship or 20-day internship. The scholarship is dedicated to providing vocational education and training for young students, which will facilitate their careers in relevant areas and skill needs.

Text source: untec.shnu.edu.cn

Expanding Student and Youth Program

Photo source: baidu.com

To alleviate the negative impact of COVID-19 on graduating students, the Canadian government has launched the "Expanding Student and Youth Program" to help students get employment opportunities. Among them, the plan includes an investment of CAD 153.7 million to establish a youth employment and skills strategy, provide employment opportunities for students through the "I Want to Help" platform, and help them develop skills and gain the experience needed for a successful transition to the labor market.

Text source: China Education Daily

About China

Talent Programme 

The Talent Programme of Hong Kong and Macao aims to build a youth exchange platform between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao and increase the understanding and participation of Hong Kong and Macao Youth in national development and bay area construction. In order to facilitate interns to quickly integrate into the life of the bay area, Tencent implements the tutor responsibility system, organizes the "bay area experience tour" and implements the Hong Kong and Macao Youth Exchange plan.

Photo source: baidu.com

On this basis, combined with Mr. Ma Huateng's concept of "marine ecological restoration in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao and strengthening cooperation in nature protection and nature education, Tencent worked with Taohuayuan Ecological Protection Foundation to jointly plan social practice activities such as ecological and cultural protection in the Greater Bay Area of young people in the three places.

Text source: cnbayarea.org.cn

2021 Public Welfare Future · Citigroup Youth Development Project

Photo source: sohu.com

In 2021, China Poverty Alleviation Foundation and Citigroup China jointly launched the "2021 Public Welfare Future · Citigroup Youth Development" project to cultivate youth's employmeng in multiple dimensions, improve youth's comprehensive ability and work skills, and promote community youth's career development through a series of employment guidance courses and social innovation challenges. The project plans to explore and establish an innovative overall model within three years to create a platform for Chinese youth to fully participate in and improve their comprehensive ability.

Text source: Workers' Daily 

●  Background

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Initiated by the United Nations

On 1 January, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 169 targets, of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.