Global Youth Unemployment Rises to 12.4% in 2025: UN

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Geneva: Global youth unemployment rose in 2025 as weaker economic development, geopolitical tensions, and delayed job creation made it more difficult for young people to enter the labour field, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) research.

The worldwide youth unemployment rate increased from 12.3% in 2024 to 12.4% in 2025, leaving around 67 million persons aged 15 to 24 without job. The surge is a setback after the recovery in youth labour markets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ILO further found that around 257 million young people, or 20% of the global youth population, had not engaged in employment, education, or training in 2025.

The report warns that artificial intelligence and rapid technological change could further change entry-level employment, particularly in middle-skilled jobs like clerical and sales. Approximately 6.1% of employment held by youths are considered highly exposed to AI-related disruption.

Youth unemployment is notably high in the Arab States (26.2%) and North Africa (22.6%), while wealthy countries also saw rises. The ILO anticipates the global youth unemployment rate to continue high in the next years.