Around the world, youth are seen as a powerful force for change, innovation, and progress. Representing over 16% of the global population, young people aged 15 to 24 have the potential to shape the future—yet many lack the necessary opportunities, resources, and support. This article delves into the condition of today’s youth globally and in Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges they face, offering comparative insights, and presenting actionable solutions to empower the next generation to become effective ambassadors of change.
Global Youth Condition: An Overview
As of 2024, the global youth population aged between 15 and 24 is approximately 1.2 billion, which represents about 15% of the total world population. The total world population currently stands at around 8.1 billion people. This indicates that the youth demographic remains a significant segment, reflecting both opportunities and challenges for countries in terms of education, employment, and social development.
For further details, you can refer to the 2024 World Population Data Sheet from the Population Reference Bureau. The United Nations predicts this figure will increase by 7% by 2030, creating a more youthful world than ever before. Despite this demographic dividend, many young people face high unemployment rates, lack of education, and limited political engagement.
Youth Unemployment & Underemployment
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global youth unemployment rate stands at around 14.9%, more than double the adult unemployment rate of 6.2%. This gap indicates a significant loss of potential and productivity. Even for those who are employed, underemployment is a serious issue, with many stuck in low-wage, temporary jobs without prospects for advancement.
Education & Skills Gap
Education is the foundation for youth empowerment. Yet, as per UNESCO, 258 million children and youth were out of school in 2022. Even among those attending, a lack of alignment between academic curricula and market demands leads to a growing skills gap. This gap renders many graduates ill-equipped for the job market, contributing to youth unemployment.
Youth in Leadership & Decision-Making
Although young people have been at the forefront of social movements—from climate change activism to fighting for political reform—their voices are often marginalized in formal decision-making spaces. Only 2.2% of parliamentarians globally are under the age of 30, which underscores a significant generational disconnect in governance.
Bangladesh Youth Condition: A Comparative Perspective
Bangladesh has one of the highest youth populations globally, with approximately 47 million young people aged 15 to 29. As a developing nation, Bangladesh faces unique challenges and opportunities in harnessing this demographic dividend. However, the nation’s youth face critical issues that need addressing to maximize their potential.
Youth Unemployment in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s youth unemployment rate currently stands at 11.6%—significantly lower than the global average but still troubling. The primary issue is not just the availability of jobs, but the quality. Many young people are engaged in the informal sector, with no job security or benefits. Moreover, over 27% of university graduates remain unemployed, pointing to a severe mismatch between educational output and job market requirements.
Education System & Skills Mismatch
Despite significant strides in increasing educational enrollment, a World Bank report states that the country’s education system remains inadequate in preparing students for the modern economy. The curriculum lacks a focus on practical skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving, leaving many graduates unprepared for the demands of the job market.
Youth Participation in Governance
Bangladesh’s youth are politically active, but their role in formal governance is minimal. Youth often feel excluded from decision-making processes, which hinders their ability to influence policies that affect their future. The disconnect between youth aspirations and the political establishment is a growing concern.
Comparative Analysis: Global vs. Bangladesh Youth
While both global and Bangladeshi youth share common challenges—such as unemployment, skills gaps, and limited political inclusion—the intensity and context vary. Globally, youth face higher unemployment but have better access to education and international opportunities. In contrast, Bangladesh’s youth benefit from a lower unemployment rate but face severe issues with job quality and alignment between education and employment.
| Factors | Global Youth | Bangladesh Youth |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 14.9% | 11.6% |
| Education | Better access, but skills gap persists | Low practical skill development |
| Political Inclusion | Low (2.2% parliamentarians < 30) | Active in movements, limited formal inclusion |
| Economic Opportunities | Access to global markets | Predominantly local, informal job market |
Challenges to Youth Empowerment
- Lack of Quality Education: Outdated curricula and lack of vocational training are common in both global and Bangladeshi contexts.
- Economic Disparities: Young people, particularly in developing countries, are more susceptible to economic shocks and income inequality.
- Limited Access to Resources: Entrepreneurship is often cited as a solution, but many young people lack access to credit, mentorship, and business networks.
- Social and Cultural Barriers: In countries like Bangladesh, cultural expectations and gender biases can limit opportunities for young women.
Solutions: Empowering Youth as Ambassadors of Change
To empower youth globally and in Bangladesh, a multi-faceted approach is needed:
1. Education Reform: Bridging the Skills Gap
Governments and educational institutions must revamp curricula to focus on market-relevant skills. Introducing subjects like digital literacy, coding, financial management, and entrepreneurship at an early age can prepare youth for future opportunities. Partnerships with private sector companies for internships and vocational training are essential.
2. Creating Employment Opportunities
Policymakers should focus on generating quality jobs and supporting youth entrepreneurship. Initiatives like startup incubators, micro-financing schemes, and mentorship programs can help bridge the employment gap. In Bangladesh, special focus should be placed on formalizing the informal sector to provide stable employment.
3. Enhancing Youth Participation in Governance
Young people need platforms to voice their concerns and shape policies. This can be achieved through youth councils, advisory boards, and increasing youth representation in formal political structures. Bangladesh could create a National Youth Parliament to enable direct engagement between youth and policymakers.
4. Promoting Global Exposure and Exchange Programs
International youth exchange programs can broaden perspectives and offer valuable learning experiences. Organizations like AIESEC and Global Youth Leadership Forum play a crucial role in this regard.
5. Addressing Gender Disparities
Specific policies should focus on empowering young women through targeted scholarships, leadership training, and protection from gender-based violence. Bangladesh should expand initiatives like the Female Secondary School Stipend Program, which has proven effective in retaining young women in education.
The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future
Empowering youth as ambassadors of change is not a linear process; it requires consistent effort and collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society. If harnessed correctly, today’s youth can redefine leadership, foster innovation, and drive sustainable development. For Bangladesh, with its large youth demographic, investing in young people is not just an option—it’s a necessity for securing long-term economic and social stability.
The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders of today. To fully unlock their potential, we must create an enabling environment that supports their ambitions and amplifies their voices. Through reforms in education, increased employment opportunities enhanced political participation, and international exposure, the youth can truly become ambassadors of a more inclusive and progressive world.
Empowering youth is not a slogan—it’s a global imperative.
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