U.N.: Young people anxious about jobs

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Lack of job opportunities, poor education and insufficient government investments are some of the main concerns bothering youth worldwide, a U.N. report said.

The World Youth Report, released Monday by the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, included input from young people for the first time, with many participating in an online discussion about youth employment, the United Nations said in a release issued from New York.

People from ages 15-30 participated in an online consultation organized to share their views, experiences and recommendations on preparing for, entering and remaining active in the working force. A key discussion point was that current education systems aren't preparing young people adequately to compete in the job market.

"Young people questioned the quality of education they and their peers receive -- whether or not it is relevant to available jobs, how their knowledge and skills will serve them in the long-term, and the extent to which decision-makers are committed to needed investment in the potential of young people," the report said.

Despite the challenges, young people expressed hope and optimism that they would not only find jobs but also contribute significantly to their society. The report indicated they were placing greater importance in creating their own opportunities and becoming entrepreneurs and innovators in growth areas.

"Today we have the largest generation of young people the world has ever known," said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in the report's introduction. "They are demanding their rights and a greater voice in economic and political life. We need to pull the U.N. system together like never before to support a new social contract of job-rich economic growth. Let us start with young people."