** The apocalypse of work: when 1.2 billion young people come up against an economic wall **
In a decade when the future of work seems to be written under a host of economic dramas, the World Bank recently sounded alarm, announcing the upcoming arrival of more than 1.2 billion young people on the labor market. A perspective that resonates as a cry of despair, particularly in low -income countries, where employment opportunities are struggling to exist.
The urgency of this situation calls for in -depth reflection, not only on the capacity of economies to create jobs, but also on the way in which these jobs can be adapted to the realities of a world in perpetual mutation. Indeed, how can today’s youth, often disillusioned by uncertain perspectives, climbed above what the World Bank calls an unprecedented demographic challenge?
### A demographic and economical wall
The projection of 1.2 billion young people on the world labor market is not limited to a simple figure, it is a massification which poses deep questions on economic capacities, inequalities and resilience of the social fabric. In countries already stuck in multiple economic crises, such a wave of new entrants into the market could exacerbate social tensions. Indeed, the analogy of the “wall” is not only metaphorical. This wall materializes in the realities of growing unemployment, the precariousness of jobs and wage stagnation.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), half of the world active population works in informal sectors, often without social protections, still exacerbating the challenges that these young people will face. In this context, countries like Afghanistan, Sudan and other nations in crisis are particularly vulnerable, requiring measures adapted to the local context while integrating global decent work standards.
### Redefine the work relationship
Beyond job creation, the World Bank evokes the need to invest in structuring solutions such as reform of education systems and encouragement to entrepreneurship. However, these challenges raise questions about the type of education and training required. The traditional education model, which values the memorization and the use of academic knowledge, must evolve towards a more holistic model, which advocates critical thinking, creativity and adaptability.
Let us examine, for example, the “EDUPRENEURS” initiative in East Africa, which has made it possible to train young people in practical entrepreneurial skills while connecting them to business networks. This model shows how education can be reinvented to meet the real needs of the market, while cultivating entrepreneurship and leadership.
### Inclusive economies: from ideal to reality
The call for “more inclusive and resilient economies” must be interpreted as an imperative of equity. Research by the World Economic Forum has shown that companies that adopt a diversity policy are 45 % more likely to achieve higher financial performance. By integrating young people, especially those from marginalized communities, in their structure, these companies can not only improve their brand image, but also take advantage of a multitude of prospects and creativity.
In addition, the transition to green economies could represent a significant avenue for employment. According to the UN report on the green economy, the renewable sectors could generate 24 million jobs by 2030. By integrating young people into this transition, we do not only give them a chance of employment, but also to participate in the construction of a sustainable future.
### Conclusion: transform weight into power
This demographic challenge can be seen as an apocalypse or an opportunity. The urgency to act is not just a question of job creation. It is a question of rethinking in depth our economic systems, our educational models and our social structures to welcome this generation in the global economic fabric.
By adopting a collaborative approach between governments, companies and educational institutions, it will be possible to transform demographic weight into a growth lever. The solutions must be flexible, innovative and adapted to the local context, while remaining anchored in values of social justice and equity. It is only by approaching this global challenge with a sense of shared responsibility that we can really consider a future where each young person has a place in the world economy. This future, we have the key to opening it, provided we do not turn our eyes before the imminence of the challenge.