The World Bank is spearheading a high-level dialogue aimed at addressing the pressing global challenge of youth unemployment by focusing on the creation of better and more sustainable jobs.
The initiative, which brings together global leaders, private sector executives, young entrepreneurs, and development experts, is designed to spark innovative thinking and coordinated action toward building a future where every young person can access decent work.
In a statement released ahead of the event, the World Bank emphasised the urgency of the issue and the need for collaborative solutions. “From innovation to investment, skills to sectors, this event will be a moment to catalyze collective action for a future where every young person has a pathway to decent work,” the statement read.
The gathering will feature powerful narratives from youths who have navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, coupled with the perspectives of industry leaders and insights from the World Bank Group leadership.
Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, is expected to play a central role in the discussions. Known for his commitment to global development and economic inclusion, Banga has consistently championed the importance of job creation as a cornerstone of poverty reduction and sustainable growth. Michelle Bachelet Jeria, former President of Chile, will also lend her voice to the conversation.
Other speakers expected are Tharman Shanmugaratnam, president of the Republic of Singapore; Nonkululeko Nyembezi, chairman of Standard Bank Group; Anthony Tan, group CEO and co-Founder of Grab; and Rania Al Mashat, Egypt’s minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation.
Also participating in the event are Douglas Peterson, special advisor at S&P Global; Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, executive director and CEO of Temasek Holdings; and Nicola Galombik, executive director with Yellowwoods and founder of the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator.
The session is scheduled to take place on Tuesday and promises to serve not only as a platform for dialogue but as a launching point for actionable strategies. With diverse stakeholders from government, business, and civil society converging, the World Bank hopes this event will inspire a new wave of collaborative efforts to tackle youth unemployment worldwide.
