Starting the new millennium right: Decent employment for young people

There is growing recognition of the crucial significance of youth employment for successfully achieving poverty eradication, sustainable development and lasting peace. This article presents essential facts about youth employment today in both developing and industrialized countries, including demographic and labour market trends affecting young people, and employment and unemployment trends. The authors argue for integrated policies focusing on employment, to help young people get decent work, at a fair wage and with their jobs protected. Measures to enhance employability are reviewed, as are the benefits of youth employment for individuals, the economy and society, notably in developing countries.