Progress of the Global Strategy for Youth Employment and the Achievement of the Global Jobs Pact by the ILO
In 2020, there was a pressing need for the global development agenda to focus on youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization (ILO). As we find ourselves in 2024, it is essential to evaluate the progress made and determine whether the ILO has successfully achieved its goals.
The Global Strategy for Youth Employment
The Global Strategy for Youth Employment was designed to address the challenges faced by young people in accessing decent work opportunities. It aimed to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, enhance skills development, and foster entrepreneurship among the youth.
Over the past four years, significant strides have been made in implementing the Global Strategy for Youth Employment. Governments, international organizations, and civil society have collaborated to create policies and programs that prioritize youth employment. These initiatives have focused on improving education and training systems, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating the transition from education to the workforce.
One of the key achievements of the Global Strategy for Youth Employment is the increased recognition of the importance of investing in youth. Governments have allocated more resources to youth employment programs and have taken steps to integrate youth perspectives into policy-making processes. This shift in mindset has resulted in a more comprehensive and targeted approach to addressing the challenges faced by young people in the labor market.
The Global Jobs Pact
The Global Jobs Pact, adopted by the ILO in 2009, aimed to address the global employment crisis caused by the financial and economic downturn. It called for a comprehensive and coordinated response to promote job creation, protect workers’ rights, and stimulate economic recovery.
Since its adoption, the Global Jobs Pact has played a crucial role in guiding policy responses to employment challenges. Governments, employers, and workers’ organizations have worked together to implement the principles outlined in the Pact. These include promoting employment-intensive investment, enhancing social protection, and strengthening social dialogue.
Although progress has been made in implementing the Global Jobs Pact, it is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to its full realization. The pandemic has led to widespread job losses, disrupted supply chains, and economic downturns, making it difficult to achieve the Pact’s objectives in a short period of time.
Evaluating Progress
While it is evident that progress has been made in implementing the Global Strategy for Youth Employment and the Global Jobs Pact, it is essential to acknowledge that achieving their goals is an ongoing process. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted the pace of progress, requiring governments and organizations to adapt their strategies and policies to the new realities.
However, despite the challenges, there have been notable achievements. Many countries have implemented innovative programs to support young entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary skills and resources to succeed. Governments have also taken steps to address the digital divide, ensuring that young people have access to digital tools and technologies that are increasingly essential in the modern workforce.
The ILO, in collaboration with its partners, has played a crucial role in facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices in youth employment. Through initiatives such as the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth, the ILO has provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, highlight successful interventions, and learn from each other’s experiences.
Conclusion
While the full realization of the Global Strategy for Youth Employment and the Global Jobs Pact may not have been achieved by 2024, significant progress has been made. The commitment of governments, international organizations, and civil society to prioritize youth employment has resulted in the implementation of targeted policies and programs.
It is important to recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unforeseen challenges, but it has also highlighted the need for continued efforts to support young people in accessing decent work opportunities. Moving forward, it is crucial to sustain the momentum and build on the progress made, ensuring that youth employment remains a priority on the global development agenda.
