Global youth unemployment increased in 2025, reversing the post-pandemic recovery in labour markets, according to a new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN’s labour agency. The report found that the global youth unemployment rate rose to 12.4%, up from 12.3% in 2024, leaving an estimated 67 million people aged 15 to 24 without work.
The ILO said weaker global economic growth, slowing job creation, and declining opportunities for young people have made it increasingly difficult to secure decent employment. The report also noted that the post-COVID recovery in youth labour markets has stalled, with many young people struggling to transition from education into stable jobs.
The number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) also increased, reaching 20% of the global youth population, or more than 257 million people. The agency warned that prolonged unemployment at a young age can have lasting effects on lifetime earnings, career development, and mental well-being.
The sharpest increases in youth unemployment were recorded in high-income economies, including North America, while the Arab States and North Africa continued to report the highest overall youth unemployment rates globally. The ILO said many traditional entry-level and middle-skilled jobs are disappearing, making it harder for young workers to enter the labour market.
The report also highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment. While AI is expected to create new opportunities in some sectors, it could also replace many routine entry-level jobs that young people typically rely on. The ILO estimates that about 6.1% of jobs currently held by young workers are highly exposed to AI, and significant job displacement could occur without adequate reskilling and workforce support.
The UN agency urged governments to invest in education, skills training, apprenticeships, and quality job creation to help young people adapt to changing labour market demands. It stressed that targeted policies will be essential to prevent a generation of young workers from facing long-term unemployment and economic insecurity.