This report on the global youth labour market situation shows where progress has or has not been made, updates youth labour market indicators, and analyses trends in youth population, labour force, employment and unemployment. The 2020 edition discusses the implications of technological change for the nature of jobs available to young people.

Incorporating the most recent data available for 2002, this report analyses current labour market trends and examines the impact of the global economic downturn and post 11 September developments upon different world regions. Covering Latin America and the Caribbean, East Asia, South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, the transition economies and industrial countries, it focuses on the distinct labour market characteristics and challenges faced by each region and economic group. It also traces factors contributing to the global employment decline, such as the increase in informal sector employment, the decrease in employment in information and communication technology, as well as extensive jobs losses in the travel and tourism industries and the export and labour-intensive manufacturing sectors.

This report examines the vulnerability of youth to unemployment and the shortage of decent work. It shows where progress has or has not been made in terms of tapping the energy, talent, and creativity of young people for the benefit of the economy's productive potential. It updates the world and regional youth labor market indicators and gives detailed analyses of longer-term trends in youth population, labor force, and employment, while providing a first glimpse at new estimates of working poverty among youth. The report shows that the impacts of the economic crisis have been disproportionately severe for young people around the world. It also offers valuable lessons learned from evaluating youth employment programs.