The global youth unemployment rate is around 13%, with approximately 65 million young people unemployed. More than half of the employed youth work in the informal sector or in temporary jobs. Many young people lack access to quality education or vocational training; even university graduates struggle to find employment in their fields. Refugees, immigrants, and youth in rural areas face multiple disadvantages.

Unpaid or low-paid internships, jobs without social security, long working hours, and age-based discrimination prevent young people from starting with a fair opportunity. Youth are insufficiently represented in decision-making processes that shape their future.

Economic insecurity and high living costs are delaying young people's decisions to start families and have children. This trend is leading to declining birth rates and rapid population aging.

World Youth Day serves as a reminder not only to celebrate the potential of young people but also of our shared responsibility to find solutions to their problems. Our call as the ILC is:

- Youth Employment: Governments should prioritize employment policies for young people and expand decent job opportunities.
- Fair Wages and Secure Work: Employers must provide equal pay for equal work and ensure safe working conditions for young workers. Internships and temporary jobs should not be tools for exploitation.
- Equal Access to Education: Access to education and skills development for young refugees, immigrants, and youth in disadvantaged regions should be guaranteed.
- Union Participation: Active participation of young people in trade unions should be encouraged, and youth representation within union structures should be strengthened.
- Participation in Decision-Making: Young people should have a greater say not only in the workforce but also in political and economic decision-making processes. Governments should develop supportive policies that open doors for youth involvement in shaping both today and the future.
- Inclusive and Sustainable Future: Sustainable development goals should be implemented with the needs and expectations of young people in mind.

As the ILC, together with our member organizations, we are committed to strengthening global trade union solidarity for a fairer, more equitable, and dignified working life for young people. Youth is the future; securing the future is the shared responsibility of today.

Investing in youth is an investment in both today and tomorrow!