Creating Productive Jobs for Young People Is Essential: World Bank President

14-Oct-2026

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World Bank President Ajay Banga has stressed the need to create employment opportunities that enable the rapidly growing youth population to realise its potential. He said the ability to generate productive jobs would determine the outcome of the current demographic transition.

Speaking recently about the future of employment in emerging market economies and the use of artificial intelligence, Banga estimated that approximately 1.2 billion young people worldwide would turn 18 over the next 15 years.

He expressed the view that this large youth population could become a major asset for the development of individual countries if governments and businesses provided the basic facilities and opportunities needed for young people to progress.

“Over the next 15 years, 1.2 billion young people around the world will turn 18. This vast human resource can be put to productive use only if they have access to clean drinking water, clean air, healthcare, education and skills development as they grow up, followed by meaningful economic opportunities,” Banga said.

He also emphasised that employment should be understood in broader terms than merely working for an organisation or starting a business.

“Creating jobs that give people the confidence and self-respect to participate meaningfully in society is one of the priorities for policymakers around the world,” he said.

Banga further noted that private capital was responsible for generating a substantial proportion of employment, with the private sector accounting for approximately 75–85 per cent of jobs in most countries.