Launch event

Pacific launch of the ILO-ADB report on Tackling the COVID-19 Youth Employment crisis in Asia and the Pacific

COVID-19 is inflicting a triple shock on young people. It is destroying their employment, disrupting education and training and placing major obstacles in the way of those seeking to enter the labour market or to move between jobs. The ILO-ADB Joint report and the recent rapid assessments in Fiji and Samoa brings more light to the situation in Asia and also the Pacific.

The joint report recommends targeted responses to address the youth employment crisis, such as comprehensive labour market policies including wage subsidies and public employment programs; job information and employment services expansion for young jobseekers; apprenticeship programs and demand-driven skills development; increased funds for upskilling and reskilling; and digital inclusion investment for equitable access to education, training, and entrepreneurship. These interventions should reach the most vulnerable youth including the poorest and marginalized young women and meaningfully engage young people in policy development and social dialogue.