Global Youth Unemployment Rises to 12.4% in 2025, ILO Reports

The International Labour Organization’s annual youth employment report shows the global unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 24 reached 12.4% in 2025, a slight increase from 12.3% in 2024. This corresponds to 67 million young people out of work.

Additionally, the share of youth who are neither employed nor in education or training rose marginally to 20%, representing over 257 million people worldwide.

According to the ILO, the youth unemployment rate is projected to remain stable at 12.3% in both 2026 and 2027.

How AI Is Reshaping Youth Employment Pathways

The report identifies technological developments — particularly the expanding role of artificial intelligence — as key drivers transforming job prospects for young people.

It notes a decline in occupations historically serving as entry points into the labour market for youth, including clerical and administrative roles, service and sales positions, manufacturing-related jobs, and certain technical occupations.

AI Exposure Among Youth-Employed Jobs

Sukti Dasgupta, Director of the Employment and Skills for Sustainable Enterprises Department at the International Labour Organization, stated during a press conference: “6.1% of jobs currently held by youth aged 15 to 29 fall within occupations highly exposed to AI-related changes.”

She added: “If 10% of these AI-exposed jobs were to disappear, 5.6 million young workers — especially those in high-income countries — would face unemployment, occupational transitions, or exit from the labour force.”