World Bank Warns: 1.2 Billion Youth Entering Workforce by 2035 Poses Massive Jobs Test

• The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects report highlights a looming jobs crisis as 1.2 billion young people in emerging and developing economies will reach working age by 2035.
• This surge of jobseekers will be concentrated in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East, amidst weak and uneven economic growth post-pandemic.
• Without sustained investment and structural reforms, many countries risk insufficient job creation, potentially increasing unemployment, informality, and poverty.
• Stronger investment growth is crucial for faster employment expansion, especially in low-income economies with limited capital stocks.
• The World Bank urges policy changes including infrastructure investment, improved business conditions, human capital development, and greater participation of women and youth in the labor force.

Why It Matters: 1.2 billion youth entering the workforce by 2035 presents a critical global jobs challenge requiring urgent policy action.