Focusing on youth, aged 12-24, the World Bank's 2007 World Development Report: Development and the Next Generation urges developing nations to invest in education, healthcare, and employment initiatives for this critical demographic in order to promote future economic growth and reduce poverty.
World population growth (see the July 2006 Monthly Update) has resulted in an unprecedented number of young people--more than 1.3 billion--in developing regions of the world. As a group they face many social challenges, including wide-spread illiteracy, unemployment, and poor health:
- Approximately 130 million 15-24 year olds cannot read or write
- Young people account for nearly half of the world's unemployed and unemployment rates of youth are 2-3 times those of adults
- 13 million adolescent girls give birth each year
- Almost half of all new HIV cases occur in youth
According to the 2007 World Development Report, if countries do not make a concerted effort to develop and promote programs that enhance the well-being of these youth, they risk substantial future hardships, both economic and social. Developing countries who do aggressively pursue youth development are likely to have a comparative advantage.
The authors of the report suggest three general areas of focus for investment:
- Provide better opportunities to develop life skills through education, job training, and civic engagement programs.
- Improve the capabilities of youth by supplying useful information and instilling an appreciation for life-long learning and good health.
- Offer second chances to those who have fallen behind their peers.
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