Global youth unemployment rises amid sluggish job creation and looming AI risk, UN labour agency says

"A shrinkage of jobs associated with middle-skilled occupations means longer job queues and ​growing unemployment for young people ​with secondary-level education that ⁠seek them," the report said.

Global youth unemployment increased in 2025 as weaker economic growth, geopolitical tensions and sluggish job creation made it harder for young people to find work, the International Labour Organisation said on Wednesday, warning that AI could add to mounting labour market pressures.

The agency highlighted the decline of middle-skilled jobs, including clerical, administrative, sales and manufacturing roles, which have traditionally provided an entry point into the labour market for young people leaving secondary school or university.