The UN labour agency has reported a rise in global youth unemployment, and it's pointing to artificial intelligence as a risk factor. The agency says systemic reforms are needed to make sure young people get fair access to quality jobs and skills.
The AI factor
The agency's latest assessment ties the increase in youth joblessness to risks associated with AI. It didn't spell out exactly how the technology is hurting young workers, but the warning is clear: AI is now part of the equation.
That's a shift from earlier discussions, which focused on automation in manufacturing and routine tasks. Now the concern is broader, touching everything from entry-level white-collar jobs to creative fields. The agency said AI risks are associated with the rise, without offering specific examples or data.
What the agency wants
The agency is calling for systemic reforms. That means changes to how education and training are delivered, and how labour markets are structured. The goal, it said, is to ensure equitable access to quality jobs and skills.
That's a tall order. Youth unemployment has been a stubborn problem for years, and AI adds a new layer of uncertainty. The agency didn't propose a specific policy package, but it made clear that piecemeal fixes won't cut it.
The report lands at a time when AI is reshaping industries at a rapid pace. Companies are adopting tools that can write, code, and analyze data, tasks that used to be entry points for young workers. The agency's warning suggests that without intervention, the gap between those with skills and those without will widen.
It's not just about jobs, either. The agency said reforms should also address the quality of work. That means fair wages, decent conditions, and opportunities for advancement. The rise in unemployment is one thing, but the quality of the jobs that do exist matters just as much.
What happens next
The agency hasn't set a deadline for action. It's up to governments, employers, and educators to respond. The call for systemic reforms is broad, and the details are still vague. But the message is direct: the current approach isn't working, and AI is making it worse.
For now, the report serves as a warning shot. The next step is for policymakers to decide whether to act on it.
