A UN affiliate report says almost a quarter of the world’s population is aged 10 to
24 on our planet right now.
In their words, “Never before have there been so many young people.
Never again is there likely to be such potential for economic and social progress.”
So what does that mean for us in the future?
Well, it means we’ve got to start paying more attention to developing countries - because
that’s where 90% of the world’s youth live.
Places like India, China and Nigeria have what experts refer to as a “youth bulge”
in their populations.
Those countries must start expanding their economies to make room for new job-seekers
about to hit the market.
Investments for the future are needed in places like Africa and South Asia, towards education,
health services, vocational training, and housing development.
Otherwise, chronic unemployment for youths can lead to gang-affiliation and other crime.
Despite growing school attendance in low- and middle-income nations, there are about
125 million young people who cannot read or write.
More than half of these youths are female.
Education may be the most important tool for the development of young women.
Studies have shown that female empowerment and social equality are key factors towards
improving developing nations.
Youth advocates declare that today’s adolescents are some of the most mobile, connected, informed
and politically active young people that the world has ever seen.
However, there are some dangers that lie ahead.
The UN reports that there are 2 million people worldwide age 10 to 19, who are currently
HIV positive.
And 1 in 7 new HIV infections occurs during adolescence.
The World Health Organization also reports that complications from pregnancies and suicide
are a leading cause of death for young girls.
These dangers signify the necessity for sexual education, healthcare and contraception.
Today’s adolescents, more than anyone else, need guidance and resources in order to survive
and thrive.
By 2100, the booming populations of India, China and Nigeria combined will make up approximately
one third of the world’s population.