Creating Jobs for Youth - IFC CEO Lars Thunell, World Economic Forum

Creating jobs/employment is an issue of concern for governments and citizens alike. In developing countries, for example, there are about 150 million people who are unemployed. With sustainable jobs that pay well, people are able to sustain themselves and their dependents. However, most of the unemployed and underemployed are either trapped in low-paying or low-productivity employment with little hope of improvement. They also tend to be young with limited professional experience and inadequate skills and training. The challenge is how to create large numbers of jobs—especially good jobs with sound working conditions, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. IFC is focusing its efforts on investments and activities that foster job creation and has launched a comprehensive job-creation study.