Reducing poverty by investing in young people

Abstract

With changing demographics, the world now has the largest ever group of young people. 1·5 billion are aged between 12 and 24 years and 1·3 billion of them live in developing countries. A new World Bank report, launched at the Bank's annual meeting last week, argues that there has never been a better time to push for concerted action and ensure that as many young people as possible grow up well educated, remain healthy, and have the opportunity to participate in society as active and valued citizens.Many developing countries will see a large expansion of their working population in 10 or 20 years' time and falling fertility means that there will be fewer dependants. Therefore, investment now in better primary and secondary education, preventive health care, and vocational training for children and young people could produce substantial economic growth and sharply reduce poverty. Failure to do so may lead to disillusionment, social unrest, and fragmented societies.In adolescence, young people find their identity and place in society through opportunities and experimentation. Risk-taking without thinking of the long-term consequences is a normal part of growing up. Although young people today have better access to information through the internet, they also face important new risks with fatal consequences in adult life. In 2005, about half of the estimated 5 million people who were infected with HIV were 15–24 years old. Knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, skills to negotiate safe sex, and access to condoms are of utmost importance to the wellbeing of today's young people. Changes in nutrition and low levels of physical activity, not only in developed countries but increasingly also in developing countries, are leading to overweight and obese adults with serious health consequences. In addition, smoking among young people remains widespread in many parts of the world.The report identifies three key approaches: countries need to create a coherent national youth-centred framework supported by all ministries; young people should be equipped and encouraged to be heard as partners; and programmes and policies need to be rigorously evaluated. Nations with the vision to invest in their young people now will reap the benefits in the future. With changing demographics, the world now has the largest ever group of young people. 1·5 billion are aged between 12 and 24 years and 1·3 billion of them live in developing countries. A new World Bank report, launched at the Bank's annual meeting last week, argues that there has never been a better time to push for concerted action and ensure that as many young people as possible grow up well educated, remain healthy, and have the opportunity to participate in society as active and valued citizens. Many developing countries will see a large expansion of their working population in 10 or 20 years' time and falling fertility means that there will be fewer dependants. Therefore, investment now in better primary and secondary education, preventive health care, and vocational training for children and young people could produce substantial economic growth and sharply reduce poverty. Failure to do so may lead to disillusionment, social unrest, and fragmented societies. In adolescence, young people find their identity and place in society through opportunities and experimentation. Risk-taking without thinking of the long-term consequences is a normal part of growing up. Although young people today have better access to information through the internet, they also face important new risks with fatal consequences in adult life. In 2005, about half of the estimated 5 million people who were infected with HIV were 15–24 years old. Knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, skills to negotiate safe sex, and access to condoms are of utmost importance to the wellbeing of today's young people. Changes in nutrition and low levels of physical activity, not only in developed countries but increasingly also in developing countries, are leading to overweight and obese adults with serious health consequences. In addition, smoking among young people remains widespread in many parts of the world. The report identifies three key approaches: countries need to create a coherent national youth-centred framework supported by all ministries; young people should be equipped and encouraged to be heard as partners; and programmes and policies need to be rigorously evaluated. Nations with the vision to invest in their young people now will reap the benefits in the future.