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USAID Youth Impact

 

The Strategic Imperative for Investing in Youth 

Over half of the world’s population is under age 30. From USAID’s experience, we know that educated, healthy, employed and civically engaged youth drive economic growth, democracy, and prosperity. However, when we fail to effectively engage youth and address their unique needs, it can lead to violence, instability, unrest, and migration.

The Imperative

The global youth bulge, rise of violent extremism, and high global youth unemployment demonstrate the urgency to invest in youth. The 1.8 billion young people in the world today is the largest youth population in history and 90 percent of youth live in developing countries. USAID recognizes youth participation as vital to development. Young people’s full participation in development efforts can contribute to more sustainable investments to end cycles of poverty; to build resilient, democratic societies; to improve health and nutrition outcomes; and to strengthen economies. By working in partnership with the private sector, national governments, youth, and civil society, USAID youth programming can continue to build the capacity of the next generation of leaders. Young people are critical to global stability, economic growth, and development today - and in the future

The Worlds Youth

• 20% of all youth in the developing world are not in education, training, or employment 
• 5 million new jobs are needed monthly to keep youth unemployment at its current high rate, twice the adult unemployment rate 
• 65% of the population is under age 35, only 6% of political representatives are under 35
• 43% of the total number of homicides globally occur among youth 
• 66% of young people globally do not feel their government cares about what they think 
• 34% of new HIV infections globally occur among adolescents ages 15-24 whose HIV/AIDS-related deaths have not declined over the past 15 years

A Strategic Plan for Action and Investment in Youth

USAID’s vision is for educated, healthy, employed, and engaged young people who are empowered to advance their own livelihoods and the development of their countries. Our efforts focus on interventions that advance U.S. priorities and youth priorities in strategic countries across the globe.

Youth in Development Policy Objectives

1. Strengthen youth programming, participation and partner­ ship in support of Agency development objectives.
2. Mainstream and integrate youth issues and engage young people across Agency initiatives and operations.

Above text reprinted from: USAID Youth Impact Website

 

Image above from United Nations via WEF