E-Report

A comprehensive summary of sessions and key points throughout the conference.

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22-23 May 2024 Kigali

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS TO PROMOTE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN THE GREEN AND DIGITAL ECONOMIES

The global conference of the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth, "Young, Green and Digital," successfully concluded on 23 May 2024. Held in Kigali, Rwanda, the two-day conference brought together a diverse group of over 200 in-person participants and 500 online attendees from around the world, representing a wide range of youth employment stakeholders from governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, youth-led organizations and many more members of the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth.

The conference aimed at stimulating innovative thinking and facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration on skills and job creation strategies that foster opportunities for young people in the green and digital economies. It also sought to broker partnerships among participants and mobilize political will and resources for more and better jobs for youth.

As a multi-stakeholder alliance led by the ILO, the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth is committed to enhancing action and impact on youth employment in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the ILO, Mr Gilbert Houngbo, emphasized the urgency of increasing investments in youth employment through the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth. He urged conference participants to turn words into action “by engaging with young people as equal partners and by ensuring that our decisions and policies leave no one behind”.

The Conference was co-created by Decent Jobs for Youth partners who shared their experiences, mobilized their networks, and identified concrete follow up actions to prompt scale and impact. Key conversations explored sectors of job-rich growth within the green and digital economies, pathways to integrate youth voices and innovations, the role of social protection and the promotion of rights at work. Young women, youth from rural areas, forcibly displaced youth and young persons with disabilities took centre stage, shared solutions and called for further investments to ensure inclusive transitions to decent work.

The sessions also featured the important work of the ILO and partners under the PROSPECTS Programme (see programme), funded by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; as well as the growing evidence emerging from the implementation of the Pro-Agro Youth and JOY projects funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The Conference served as an opportunity to welcome new partners, including IFAD, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (see commitment), Fundación SES (see commitment), and the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (see commitment), as well as to convene the first in-person meeting of the Youth Advisory Group of the Green Jobs for Youth Pact (see partnership).

During the Conference, the ILO and the World Bank launched a policy brief on the role of Active Labour Market Programmes in improving employment and earnings of young people (see publication). The brief builds on a 12-year effort to identify, systematize and analyse empirical evidence from impact evaluations of youth employment programmes across the globe. In linking to this massive research effort, Ms Mia Seppo, ILO’s Assistant Director-General for Jobs and Social Protection, stressed in her closing remarks to “follow the evidence and keep it updated”, highlighting the importance of continuous investments in rigorous evaluations.

With this global conference, the ILO emphasized the key role of the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth as an avenue to galvanize action on youth employment and a platform to bring the voices of young people closer to decision making mechanisms and emerging alliances, including the Global Social Justice Coalition. Decent Jobs for Youth partners ended the conference with a renewed commitment towards effective multi-stakeholder action with and for young people.

KEY ACTION ITEMS

  • Strengthen the promotion of youth employment through comprehensive and gender-responsive employment strategies or policies that integrate the needs of young people and recognize the importance of fostering job creation and skills development, including in the green and digital economies.
  • Expand investments and partnerships on skills development and mentorship that effectively equip young people with the knowledge, skills and psychosocial support needed to tackle global issues and succeed in the labour market.
  • Foster opportunities for young people in the digital and green economies through innovative intervention models and partnerships that enhance their skills, boost the labour demand and improve intermediation, considering complementary and catalytic investments in infrastructure development and access to markets.
  • Invest in decent jobs for youth in the rural economy through innovative approaches that integrate digital and green technologies, value chain development, and solutions for wage employment, enticing interest among young people to stay and work in rural areas.
  • Advocate for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health in businesses environments and promote the economic empowerment of young women and girls through initiatives that address gender biases in the green and digital economies and open opportunities for wage- and self-employment.
  • Untap the potential of young persons with disabilities in the world of work by educating employers, advocating for inclusive policies, and by engaging with individuals with disabilities, the organizations that represent them, and government agencies with expertise on inclusive policies and strategies.
  • Scale up action with and for young refugees and youth in host communities across niche sectors conducive to productive employment and decent work and support the enabling environment for the integration of young refuges in formal jobs, including through digital work platforms.
  • Rigorously evaluate youth employment interventions, in the short and long term, and share lessons learned to positively influence design and implementation of policies and programmes.
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Speakers
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Caroline Khamati Mugalla

International Labour Organization

Mia Seppo

International Labour Organization

Ozonnia Ojielo

United Nations

Jeannette Bayisenge

Government of Rwanda

Gilbert Houngbo

International Labour Organization

Gibson Kawago

Eesha Moitra

International Labour Organization

Coffi Agossou

International Labour Organization

Jurriaan Middelhoff

Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Nur Fathiha Binti Ayob Khan

Social Security Organization, Malaysia

Shanitah Birungi

National Organisation of Trade Unions, Uganda

Xuantong Zhang

China Enterprise Confederation

Carlotta Osti

International Labour Organization

Daniel Adugna

African Union Commission

Sangheon Lee

International Labour Organization

Rabiya Anwer

Youth Pact’s Youth Advisory Group, Pakistan

Zamzam Ibrahim

Youth Pact’s Youth Advisory Group, United Kingdom

Shadrack Mwadime

State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Kenya

Lena Yan

International Labour Organization

Adriana Zacarias Farah

United Nations Environment Programme

Gustavo García Bravo

Institute for Youth Development, Guanajuato, Mexico

Kathleen Elsig

World YMCA

Martha Melesse

International Development Research Centre

Urmila Sarkar

United Nations Children’s Fund

Fladwel Rawinji

Finn Church Aid

Joel Amani Mafigi

UNLEASHED- Potentials in Motion

Lorraine Charles

Naamal

Pearl Gakazi

Kolaborate

Salim Abdullahi Ismail

Dadaab Collective

Ana Maria Peña

Plan International

Ben Alexandre Mpozembizi

UNESCO

Takka Kizu

International Labour Organization

Valentine Nguva

Kibondeni College

Mohamed Ageez

Youth Pact’s Youth Advisory Group, Egypt

Anita Tiessen

Youth Business International

Savinda Ranathungam

UNDP in Asia and the Pacific

Xin Gao

UNDP China

David Huysman

International Labour Organization

Ariel Halpern

PROCASUR

Miggade Valentino

United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth

Mayowa Kolawale

AIESEC

Mengjia Ma

Shanghai Shengma Culture Creative Co. Ltd

Viviane Sharlene De Koe

National Youth Council, Namibia

Simon Marot Touloung

Global Refugee Youth Network

Sileshi Umer

PROSPECTS Youth Network Committee, Ethiopia

Julie Crowley

Chiara Curcio

International Labour Organization

Susana Puerto

International Labour Organization

Michael Weber

World Bank

Jonathan Stoeterau

World Bank

Jamele Rigolini

World Bank

Brian Chipili

International Fund for Agricultural Development

Hisham Zehni

International Fund for Agricultural Development

Elisenda Estruch Puertas

International Labour Organization

Sanda Harilaza

Gertrude Dzifa Torvikey

University of Ghana

Hamid Ould Youcef

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Algeria

Narcisse Mouzong

AGRO-PME Foundation, Cameroon

Lenah Mwangi

Inuka Agrisolution

Jonas Bausch

International Labour Organization

Ashley Barry

Education for Employment 

Bai Yingxin

Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security, China

Drew Gardiner

International Labour Organization

John Matogo

IBM

Vicky Aridi

Making Cents International

Peace Amaro

Challenges Rwanda

Abiodun Emmanuel

Special Needs Initiative for Growth

Daniel Barakengera

Self-Advocacy Initiatives for People with Disabilities

Gabriel Ekman

BAG

Sarah Wang\'ombe

Sightsavers

Pelin Türkalp

International Labour Organization

Faustin Mwambari

Ministry of Public Service & Labour, Rwanda

Michela Tomasella

Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda

Wezzie Kayira Madzi

Ministry of Labour, Malawi

Anika Altaf

Paul Okwi

International Development Research Centre

Shamiela Reid

Indalo Inclusive South Africa

Claire Uwineza

Resonate, Rwanda

Coumba Sow

Jessie Fagan

Food and Agriculture Organization

Jean Muthamia-Mwenda

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Tilahun Amede

AGRA

Marie Ange Mukagahima

Zuma Health Group

Alice Higiro

Ministry of ICT and Innovation in Rwanda

Umutoni Sandrine

Government of Rwanda

Michael Hou

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

Mulualem Syoum

AeTrade

Olugbemiga Adelakin

Benitha Isingizwe

Youth-led Organization Leader and District Youth Council Coordinator, Voice of Youth

Renata Tallarico

Kristin Kagetsu

Saathi Pads

Hawi Girma Megersa

UNFPA and DSW

Caroline Njuki

International Labour Organization

Bruno Otiato

Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya

Tevin Richard

Federation of Kenya Employers

Sarah Sunderlin

United States Department of Labour

Sifa Uwera

World Bank

Claudine Nyinawagaga

Local Administrative Entities Development Agency

Ivan Murenzi

National Institute of Statistics Rwanda

Richard Nkurunziza

Give Directly

Walter Odero

African Development Bank in Rwanda

Gerardine Mukeshimana

International Fund for Agricultural Development

Ann Hershkowitz

United States Agency for International Development

Mary Maina

USAID

Siri Lijfering

INCLUDE Knowledge platform

Programmes

Master of Ceremony: Mary Maina, USAID Hanga Akazi Activity

Wed, 22 May 2024 08:00 am To 21:00 pm

2nd floor

Welcoming participants from different parts of the world, but all with the same interest in scaling up action and impact on youth employment.

Images

Room: Kivu

Session summary

The opening session offered an opportunity for the host government and partners of Decent Jobs for Youth to introduce the major theme of the annual conference ‘Young, Green and Digital’ and invite further collaboration that supports decent job opportunities for youth, focusing on skills development, green economy, and technology.

The speakers welcomed the audience and invited for a 2-days conference that lives and breathes the following principles:

  • Importance of creating decent job opportunities for youth.
  • Collaboration between stakeholders is crucial to tackle youth unemployment effectively.
  • Workplace learning policies and skills development initiatives are key to bridging the skills gap.
  • Concrete actions are expected to be taken to promote sustainable youth employment.

In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the ILO, Mr Gilbert Houngbo highlighted the significant challenges faced by today's youth - ranging from economic crises to the climate emergency. He underscored the urgency of creating fair and decent jobs and emphasized the potential of the green and digital economies to generate millions of new jobs by 2030. Calling for robust policies to ensure these opportunities are equitable, he reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to social justice and collaboration, setting an optimistic and actionable tone for the conference.

Speakers

Caroline Khamati Mugalla

International Labour Organization

Gilbert Houngbo

International Labour Organization

Mia Seppo

International Labour Organization

Ozonnia Ojielo

United Nations

Jeannette Bayisenge

Government of Rwanda

Mary Maina

USAID

Images

Videos

Room: Kivu

Session summary

Young changemaker Mr Gibson Kago shared an inspiring story about coding a green future and overcoming challenges to create sustainable solutions.  As a secondary school student with a passion for physics and chemistry, he aspired to create power banks and good bulbs using circuits but faced financial constraints. Determined to find a solution, he went to university to study electrical engineering and discovered that the lithium iron batteries he needed were in old laptop batteries. Gibson's innovation, now the foundation of his company Waga, enables people in Tanzania to charge mobile phones and light up their homes using solar panels and recycled batteries. Gibson emphasized the importance of resilience, persistence, and hard work in creating solutions and encouraged young people to leverage technology and resources to adapt to the transition to green solutions. He also highlighted the significance of seeking mentorship and investing in STEM education for young girls in Africa to build a future with a educated and employable population.

Speakers

Gibson Kawago

Images

Videos

Room: Kivu

A high-level dialogue about innovative actions advancing a youth employment agenda that fosters opportunities in the digital economy.

Session summary

The session emphasized the dual nature of digitalization: its potential to improve access to employment and learning for marginalized youth, and its risks of increasing inequalities. Key points included the necessity of integrating digital skills development with job creation, ensuring social protection, and involving the private sector.

Panellists highlights that digital transformations affected sectors throughout the economy, including agriculture, tourism or trade. Hence it was important to identify sectors with a high potential for decent digital job creation and corresponding occupational profiles in demand. Panellists also mentioned the need to support businesses in the adoption of digital technologies and in obtaining access to new markets, for example through e-commerce.

Actionable steps highlighted the need for apprenticeships, work-based training, and enterprise support. Panelists urged youth employment stakeholders to protect youth rights in digital economies and leverage cross-sector partnerships for inclusive growth. Notable initiatives included China's apprenticeships, Uganda's trade union mobilization, Malaysia's research on job-matching, and the Netherlands' Youth at Heart Strategy and the ILO/ITU/AU Joint Programme on Boosting Decent Jobs for Youth in Africa’s Digital Economy.

For further collaboration, the panel called for enhanced global cooperation and meaningful youth participation in policy-making that affects young people. Follow-up actions should focus on closing the digital skills gap, promoting unified job creation approaches, organizing young workers in the digital and participating in global initiatives like the Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection and the Africa Digital Compact.

Speakers

Eesha Moitra

International Labour Organization

Coffi Agossou

International Labour Organization

Jurriaan Middelhoff

Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Nur Fathiha Binti Ayob Khan

Social Security Organization, Malaysia

Shanitah Birungi

National Organisation of Trade Unions, Uganda

Xuantong Zhang

China Enterprise Confederation

Images

Testimonials

Room: Kivu

A high-level dialogue about innovative actions advancing a youth employment agenda that fosters opportunities in the green economy.

Session summary

The session focused on how to make sure that green jobs play a role in tackling the youth employment challenge.

Education reform was highlighted as an important lever to address the skills mismatch. Panellists emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, given that technological change and the green transition will make many of today’s skills redundant. They also emphasized employer’s responsibility to qualify young people with industry-relevant skills by offering apprenticeships and on the job training. Panellists also called for more investments in TVET institutions and agreed that a part of the investments into green infrastructure should be mobilized for green skills development. Panellists stressed the importance of inclusive and accessible education systems, as well as targeted approaches and awareness campaigns for the inclusion of marginalized groups.

However, panellists also drew attention to the fact that the skills mismatch is not the only challenge. Especially in Africa, there is also a severe jobs deficit. Daniel Adugna, Acting Head of the Youth Division at the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate of the African Union Commission gave a short preview in the upcoming ILO-AU Youth Employment Strategy (YES) for Africa, which beyond skills development encompasses policy fields such as structural transformation or investment and trade. The need for a comprehensive strategy was reiterated by other panellists, who called for proactive governments, the strengthening of labour market institutions and formalization to decent jobs, as well as meaningful youth engagement and strategic partnerships with youth-led organizations to translate youth voices into action.

Panellist’s points were illustrated by recent efforts of the Kenyan State Department for Labor and Skills Development. The National Skills Development Policy is meant to address the skills mismatch. In addition, the National Skills Inventory matches job seekers with employers and is supposed to provide data on skills available in the country, which can then be used to better align school and university curricula with the job market. The Government of Kenya also created a National Green Jobs Strategy to reap the potential employment benefits arising from green infrastructure investments.

Speakers

Carlotta Osti

International Labour Organization

Daniel Adugna

African Union Commission

Sangheon Lee

International Labour Organization

Rabiya Anwer

Youth Pact’s Youth Advisory Group, Pakistan

Zamzam Ibrahim

Youth Pact’s Youth Advisory Group, United Kingdom

Shadrack Mwadime

State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Kenya

Images

Testimonials

Room: Kivu

Highlights on our collective efforts to scale up action and impact on youth employment.

Session summary

The panel discussion focused on collaborative efforts within the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth, emphasizing strategies for creating sustainable youth employment. Key initiatives and research findings on green and digital economy jobs were highlighted, stressing the need for aligning education systems with sector demands and fostering interministerial cooperation for coherent policies.

Speakers underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and capacity building, spotlighting the Youth Foresight Platform as a crucial resource. This platform supports stakeholders with evidence-based practices and facilitates a digital community for peer-to-peer learning, encouraging active engagement and resource contribution.

Actionable steps included fostering intergenerational dialogue within organizations and scaling successful interventions through partnerships. Emphasis was placed on increasing youth awareness of green jobs to bridge the demand-supply gap. Participants were urged to join collaborative efforts, share resources, and support youth in achieving sustainable employment outcomes.

Speakers

Lena Yan

International Labour Organization

Adriana Zacarias Farah

United Nations Environment Programme

Gustavo García Bravo

Institute for Youth Development, Guanajuato, Mexico

Kathleen Elsig

World YMCA

Martha Melesse

International Development Research Centre

Urmila Sarkar

United Nations Children’s Fund

Images

Testimonials

Rooms: Ikaze - Kivu - Gasabo

These parallel sessions offer a space for partners to share evidence and lessons about what works and doesn’t work from the various types of interventions aimed at facilitating a just transition of youth into the world of work. A special focus is placed on effective practices and mechanisms to promote decent jobs for youth in the green and digital economy.

Room: Ikaze

Session leads: International Labour Organization, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Finn Church Aid

Session summary

The session discussed challenges as well as innovative interventions and approaches that are working to promote skills and jobs for forcibly displaced youth in the digital economy.

The ongoing digital transformation and the rapidly growing digital economy serve as a powerful engine for creating and advancing decent work for displaced youth. The digital economy promises employment opportunities for young refugees by transcending geographical borders. This is particularly appealing to forcibly displaced youth, as they often face various structural and administrative barriers to accessing decent work in their host countries.

Digital skills and digital literacy programs must be complemented by soft skills training to enhance the employability of forcibly displaced youth in the digital economy. Refugee-youth led organisations are playing an important role in supporting forcibly displaced youth thrive in the digital economy, including through entrepreneurship training designed to enable young people to design and pilot innovative solutions in their communities.  Creating an enabling environment and private sector engagement also emerged as key recommendations to create decent employment opportunities for forcibly displaced youth in the digital economy.

Speakers

Fladwel Rawinji

Finn Church Aid

Joel Amani Mafigi

UNLEASHED- Potentials in Motion

Jurriaan Middelhoff

Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Lorraine Charles

Naamal

Pearl Gakazi

Kolaborate

Salim Abdullahi Ismail

Dadaab Collective

Images

Reference links & documents

Testimonials

Room: Kivu

Session leads: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Labour Organization, and Plan International

Session summary

The panel highlighted key challenges and strategies for aligning educational curricula with market needs to support green jobs. Valentina from Kenya emphasized the need for practical green skills training, financial support, and boosting youth confidence. Ben from UNESCO discussed their strategy for transforming TVET to support sustainable employment, while Taka from the ILO focused on competency-based curricula for green sectors like renewable energy and smart agriculture.

Ann Marie from Plan International stressed the importance of gender-sensitive training and incorporating indigenous knowledge into green skills curricula. She highlighted the development of green life skills that integrate environmental consciousness with traditional soft skills. The Q&A session covered topics like skills assessments, boosting youth confidence through mentorship, and community involvement in supporting gender-transformative approaches.

Overall, the discussion underscored the importance of tailored, practical training programs and community engagement to prepare youth for sustainable employment in emerging green sectors. The need for coordinated efforts across organizations and sectors to address skills gaps and align training with market demands was a recurring theme.

Speakers

Zamzam Ibrahim

Youth Pact’s Youth Advisory Group, United Kingdom

Ana Maria Peña

Plan International

Ben Alexandre Mpozembizi

UNESCO

Takka Kizu

International Labour Organization

Valentine Nguva

Kibondeni College

Images

Testimonials

Room: Gasabo

Session leads: Youth Business International and United Nations Development Programme

Session summary

For many young people, entrepreneurship is an important option for income generation. Increasingly, young people are founding green businesses, contributing to solving the triple environmental crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These young green entrepreneurs are pioneering sustainable solutions that are crucial for the planet’s future. However, these entrepreneurs often face significant challenges, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks. To effectively support these green entrepreneurs, comprehensive and targeted initiatives are essential.

This is where the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) steps in with their flagship initiative, Youth Co:Lab. This initiative fosters the development of sustainable business models, strengthens entrepreneurial skills, and connects stakeholders through the Youth Empowerment Alliance. This integrated support system is designed to help young entrepreneurs scale their social enterprises and maximize their environmental impact. In addition, Youth Business International (YBI) offers valuable resources with their Green and Social Entrepreneurship Toolkit. This toolkit provides practical guidance for young entrepreneurs aiming to create businesses that not only generate profit but also drive social and environmental change. It helps them navigate the unique challenges of setting up green impact businesses, balancing profit with purpose, and scaling their ventures sustainably.

Together, they are crucial in equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed and make a positive impact on the environment.

Speakers

Mohamed Ageez

Youth Pact’s Youth Advisory Group, Egypt

Anita Tiessen

Youth Business International

Savinda Ranathungam

UNDP in Asia and the Pacific

Xin Gao

UNDP China

Images

Testimonials

2nd floor & Ground floor

Room: Gasabo

The "Empowered Rural Youth" side event puts young people at the centre, amplifying their voices and experiences in driving inclusive employment and entrepreneurship.

Session lead: PROCASUR

Speakers

Ariel Halpern

PROCASUR

Images

Room: Ikaze

The marketplace is a space for partners to speak about their commitments, innovations, and progress in translating the guiding principles of Decent Jobs for Youth into action. 

Speakers

David Huysman

International Labour Organization

Images

Room: Kivu

Young changemakers reflect on the thematic sessions and offer their views on the key messages.

Session lead: United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth

Session summary

The discussion focused on the insights and key messages from thematic sessions. The speakers highlighted the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes, the need for innovative solutions to global challenges, and the role of cultural and business development in fostering sustainable change. Ms. Kolawale emphasized the impact of youth in business development and marketing, while Ms. Ma spoke on the creative industry's role in cultural change. Ms. Mohammed shared her experiences with youth in conflict zones, particularly in Ethiopia, and Mr. Touloung provided insights on advocacy for refugee youth. Each speaker underscored the unique perspectives and solutions that young people bring to global issues.

Key takeaways from the session included a reaffirmation of the need for more inclusive policies that empower young people, the value of cross-sector collaboration, and the necessity of providing platforms for youth voices in international forums. The speakers collectively called for increased investment in youth-led initiatives and greater support for young entrepreneurs and activists. They also stressed the importance of mentorship and capacity-building programs to equip the next generation with the skills needed to tackle global issues.

The session calls for fostering stronger networks among youth organizations, enhancing communication channels between young change-makers and policymakers, and advocating for more resources for youth-led projects. Participants were encouraged to engage with platforms like the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth and to leverage their networks for broader impact, utilizing resources and networks such as AIESEC and the Global Refugee Youth Network.

Speakers

Miggade Valentino

United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth

Mayowa Kolawale

AIESEC

Mengjia Ma

Shanghai Shengma Culture Creative Co. Ltd

Viviane Sharlene De Koe

National Youth Council, Namibia

Simon Marot Touloung

Global Refugee Youth Network

Sileshi Umer

PROSPECTS Youth Network Committee, Ethiopia

Images

Testimonials

Rooftop

Speakers

Julie Crowley

Images

Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00 am To 18:00 pm

Room: Kivu

Launch of the ILO-World Bank systematic review and meta-analysis of youth employment interventions and discussion on evidence uptake to boost the impact of youth-targeted policies and programmes.

Session summary

This session launched the ILO-World Bank systematic review and meta-analysis of youth employment interventions and discussed evidence on what works to boost the impact of youth-targeted policies and programmes.

The study reviews results from evaluations of 220 youth-focused active labour market programs (ALMPs) conducted across the globe between 1990 and 2022. The overall findings of the study show that ALMPs significantly improve the employment and earnings prospects for young people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Skills training and entrepreneurship promotion show the largest impacts globally. The evidence shows that entrepreneurship support and employment services have a greater impact in low and middle-income countries. In high-incomes countries, skills training and wage subsidies have a greater impact.  ALMPs have a more significant impact on earnings in low and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries, where the focus is rather on improving the probability of employment of young people. ALMPs that combine multiple support services tend to be more effective; comprehensive interventions work better than standalone interventions. Moreover, integrating soft skills training and providing skills certifications in ALMPs can improve their effectiveness. ALMPs have a greater impact on younger and more vulnerable youth such as young women or low-skilled youth. The discussion also emphasized the need for targeted interventions to overcome gender barriers and support better employment outcomes of young women.

Speakers

Chiara Curcio

International Labour Organization

Susana Puerto

International Labour Organization

Michael Weber

World Bank

Jonathan Stoeterau

World Bank

Jamele Rigolini

World Bank

Sangheon Lee

International Labour Organization

Images

Reference links & documents

Testimonials

Rooms: Kivu - Gasabo - Mutara

These parallel sessions offer a space for partners to share evidence and lessons about what works and doesn’t work from the various types of interventions aimed at facilitating a just transition of youth into the world of work. A special focus is placed on effective practices and mechanisms to promote decent jobs for youth in the green and digital economy.

Room: Kivu

Session leads: International Fund for Agricultural Development, PROCASUR, and International Labour Organization

Session summary

The session focused on integrated agribusiness hubs, discussing how they can help young people in Africa access job opportunities in the green and digital economy along the agrifood value chain. Key points included the importance of understanding labour market needs, skills development, entrepreneurship promotion, and the role of certifications. Brian Chipili from IFAD highlighted the successes and challenges of the program, emphasizing demand-driven approaches and continuous market assessments.

The panel discussion moderated by Ariel Halpern (PROCASUR) brought firsthand experiences and recommendations from the main actors of the programmes, namely implementing partners, employers and young beneficiaries.

Key points of discussions include youth-centered design and circular system approaches and the impact of mentorship and digital communication roles. The discussion underscored the importance of data-driven policies and the role that projects such as JobAgri have in addressing this issue and scale up successful models to create sustainable rural employment.

Speakers

Chiara Curcio

International Labour Organization

Ariel Halpern

PROCASUR

Brian Chipili

International Fund for Agricultural Development

Hisham Zehni

International Fund for Agricultural Development

Elisenda Estruch Puertas

International Labour Organization

Sanda Harilaza

Gertrude Dzifa Torvikey

University of Ghana

Hamid Ould Youcef

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Algeria

Narcisse Mouzong

AGRO-PME Foundation, Cameroon

Lenah Mwangi

Inuka Agrisolution

Images

Videos

Testimonials

Room: Gasabo

Session leads: Making Cents International, Education for Employment, IBM and International Labour Organization 

Session summary

To boost job creation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy, strategies to enhance employment opportunities through digital transformation are critical. The representative from the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources outlined for example its efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and small businesses among the youth, emphasizing the significance of digital skills, online start-ups, and apprenticeships. This approach, supported by training programs and supportive policies, has yielded promising results, particularly in bolstering micro-businesses and stabilizing employment rates. Additionally, insights from global initiatives underscored the importance of demand-driven training programs tailored to the dynamic digital job market.

Moreover, upskilling youth is key for the digital economy, as most jobs are digital nowadays in many ways. As demonstrated by a recent diagnostic conducted by ILO in Rwanda, digitalization is not necessarily a job destroyer but can augment productivity, although it requires the right policies to manage sectoral shifts and changing job compositions. Most jobs, even low-skilled ones like subsistence farming, have some digital aspect.

In addition, both technical and soft skills training, alongside equitable access to technology and language-tailored programs to bridge regional disparities in digital job readiness were identified as key enablers. Proposals for multifaceted solutions included fostering conflict resolution skills, promoting trustworthiness, and integrating emerging economies into digital spaces through educational initiatives like podcasts and webinars were highlighted. Moreover, discussions emphasized the need for global standards and regulations to ensure fair working conditions and bridge the digital divide, with collaborative partnerships among governments, private sectors, and international organizations crucial for sustainable job creation and workforce transformation. Overall, this session highlighted the imperative of adapting to the evolving digital economy while prioritizing inclusivity, fairness, and social protection for all workers.

Speakers

Jonas Bausch

International Labour Organization

Ashley Barry

Education for Employment 

Bai Yingxin

Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security, China

Drew Gardiner

International Labour Organization

John Matogo

IBM

Vicky Aridi

Making Cents International

Images

Testimonials

Room: Mutara

Session leads: International Labour Organization and The Challenge Group 

Session summary

Young people and people with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged groups when it comes to securing decent jobs and advancing in their careers. Unfortunately, when young age and disability are combined, the labor market situation becomes even more challenging. This session co-led by the ILO and the Challenge Group, focused on the crucial intersection of digital inclusion and the employment challenges faced by young people with disabilities. 

A visually impaired speaker from Special Needs Initiative for Growth led a simulation activity to help attendees understand the various ways organizations can incorporate and employ persons with disabilities by using the necessary digital tools. Following this, representatives from Self-Advocacy Initiatives for People with Disabilities, BAG and Sightsavers discussed the importance of coordinated disability-inclusive digital skills training initiatives. These initiatives need to be supported by governments, social partners, international organizations, policy-making bodies, digital skills training providers and private sector employers to effectively bridge the employment gap.

 The speakers highlighted that by designing and promoting a digital world inclusive of people with disabilities, we can ensure that their full professional potential and skills are not wasted. This inclusivity contributes to the success of our workplaces and societies.

Speakers

Peace Amaro

Challenges Rwanda

Abiodun Emmanuel

Special Needs Initiative for Growth

Daniel Barakengera

Self-Advocacy Initiatives for People with Disabilities

Gabriel Ekman

BAG

Sarah Wang'ombe

Sightsavers

Images

Testimonials

2nd floor & Ground floor

Rooms: Kivu - Mutara - Gasabo

These parallel sessions offer a space for partners to share evidence and lessons about what works and doesn’t work from the various types of interventions aimed at facilitating a just transition of youth into the world of work. A special focus is placed on effective practices and mechanisms to promote decent jobs for youth in the green and digital economy.

Room: Kivu

Session leads: International Labour Organization and World Bank 

Session summary

The session discussed how to leverage green and digital structural transformations for new decent work opportunities for youth. 

The panellists emphasized the need for integrated, coherent, and scaled-up approaches to address these challenges effectively. To promote integrated, coherent policies at scale is also the goal of the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. This initiative, led by the ILO and involving multiple UN agencies, aims to implement integrated policies at the country level, tailored to each country's priorities and opportunities, to create 400 million jobs and extend social protection to over 4 billion people globally. 

The discussion then zoomed in on country-level experiences of pathfinder countries of the Global Accelerator. Malawi's roadmap for this initiative was developed through comprehensive consultations with several ministries, the private sector, workers, employers, and youth. The focus is on leveraging existing priorities rather than creating new ones, with agriculture, tourism, and mining identified as key sectors. Rwanda emphasized its experiences with integrating employment into sectoral policies. For example, the National Employment Program, which involves ten ministries and their agencies, meets quarterly to discuss, and evaluate employment targets. This program ensures that employment is a key focus in various sectors, such as agriculture, finance, and digital policies.

Lastly, the cooperation between the EU and Rwanda as part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy was highlighted as a good example for the type of partnerships that the Global Accelerator aims to promote, including collaboration on youth entrepreneurship, access to finance, TVET and meaningful youth engagement.

Speakers

Pelin Türkalp

International Labour Organization

Faustin Mwambari

Ministry of Public Service & Labour, Rwanda

Jamele Rigolini

World Bank

Michela Tomasella

Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda

Sangheon Lee

International Labour Organization

Wezzie Kayira Madzi

Ministry of Labour, Malawi

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Testimonials

Room: Mutara

Session leads: International Development Research Centre and the INCLUDE Platform

Session summary

The session focused on results from “A Green and Inclusive Future for Youth in the Global South”, a collaborative research program between IDRC and INCLUDE. It highlighted the importance of an African, inclusive, and youth-centered vision on the low-carbon transition that considers the particularities of the African continent, including high levels of energy poverty, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and demographic challenges, as well as richness in natural resources needed for the renewable energy expansion. While the low carbon transition in Africa will create new jobs, it is also likely to be a disruptive process. Youth face several challenges to access these jobs, including spatial and temporal inequities, a skills mismatch, gender disparities and non-inclusive policy processes. If not managed well, the low carbon transition might therefore exacerbate existing inequalities.

Panelists also discussed the implications of the research for development cooperation. The need for meaningful youth engagement, gender justice, and putting youth and women at the center of the decision-making process were emphasized. Panelists agreed that an African vision for a just transition should be narrowed down even further, towards a localized understanding of what a just transition means in each context.

These points were also illustrated by a case study from South Africa on a stakeholder engagement process in the context of the shutting down of a coal power plant. The process included capacity building on the concept of the just transition as well as the co-creation and testing of just transition innovations at the community level. The case study demonstrated the importance of building trust and relationships, especially with the youth, for successful just transitions.

Speakers

Gibson Kawago

Anika Altaf

Julie Crowley

Jurriaan Middelhoff

Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Paul Okwi

International Development Research Centre

Shamiela Reid

Indalo Inclusive South Africa

Siri Lijfering

INCLUDE Knowledge platform

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Testimonials

Room: Gasabo

Session leads: Food and Agriculture Organization and United States Agency for International Development 

Session summary

Agrifood systems were highlighted as both significant contributors to and vulnerable to climate change, emphasizing their critical role in climate solutions. The session discussed opportunities for green jobs, such as land restoration, agroforestry, organic inputs, renewable energy use, and promoting climate-smart diets. These jobs were deemed essential for transitioning from traditional practices to sustainable food systems, thereby enhancing food security and livelihoods.

During the session "Green Jobs for Youth: What Works?", concrete examples and best practices from various initiatives were presented. Lessons learned and critical success factors necessary to support young people in accessing green jobs and digital opportunities were highlighted.

Forward-looking perspectives were discussed, emphasizing the conditions needed to promote green jobs at scale within sustainable development frameworks. The session underscored the importance of integrating green jobs into broader efforts to sustainably transform the agrifood sector.

Projects and frameworks discussed:

  • FAO’s 10-Year Strategy on Climate Change: A framework for involving youth and women in agricultural climate action.
  • Green Jobs for Rural Youth Employment Project: Funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency, implemented in Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
  • Agra Initiatives: Programs focused on sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and job creation.
  • SNV Programs: Youth employment initiatives in Africa, focusing on access to finance, skills development, and private sector partnerships.

Speakers

Claire Uwineza

Resonate, Rwanda

Coumba Sow

Jessie Fagan

Food and Agriculture Organization

Jean Muthamia-Mwenda

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Tilahun Amede

AGRA

Marie Ange Mukagahima

Zuma Health Group

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Reference links & documents

Testimonials

Room: Kivu

The marketplace is a space for partners to speak about their commitments, innovations, and progress in translating the guiding principles of Decent Jobs for Youth into action. 

Speakers

David Huysman

International Labour Organization

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Room: Kivu

A discussion with African youth on innovative ways to decent jobs for youth and social justice across the continent. 

Session lead: ILO Africa 

Session summary

Panelists began by reflecting on the various dimensions of social justice, including the fight against inequality and discrimination, humanitarian crises and conflicts, food insecurity, climate change, youth unemployment, and inflation. They emphasized that social justice involves including all groups in the discussion, even if this means addressing sensitive topics and social taboos.

The ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice was introduced as a platform for different stakeholders to collaborate on these complex challenges. Meaningful youth engagement was highlighted as central to addressing social justice issues. In this context, ILO announced the intent to establish an African Youth Network for Social Justice in support of the Global Coalition.

The ILO-AU Youth Employment Strategy for Africa (YES Africa) was highlighted as an example of meaningful youth engagement. Youth representatives co-developed the strategy alongside ILO and AU experts. Over 100 young people participated in the AU Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sport. In co-creation workshops, young people from about 30 different African countries further scrutinized, reviewed, and refined the YES Africa.

Speakers

Coffi Agossou

International Labour Organization

Jonas Bausch

International Labour Organization

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Testimonials

Rooms: Kivu - Mutara - Gasabo

These parallel sessions offer a space for partners to share evidence and lessons about what works and doesn’t work from the various types of interventions aimed at facilitating a just transition of youth into the world of work. A special focus is placed on effective practices and mechanisms to promote decent jobs for youth in the green and digital economy.

Room: Kivu

Session leads: United Nations Population Fund and Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab 

Session summary

The high-level session " Economic Empowerment of Young Women: Lessons from Sexual and Reproductive Health and Digital Work " discussed innovative and evidence-based solutions to promote the economic empowerment of young women and girls through the promotion of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in businesses as well as skills development initiatives.

The session scene was set by Highlights by UNFPA on its programmatic collaboration with partners on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) and economic empowerment and a presentation by J-PAL on Key constraints faced by young women to benefit from the opportunities that digital and green transitions represents for youth. Key identified challenges for action include skilling (Systems in place limit young women’s agency and access to skills), Norms and attitudes toward women and work and market structure (Women have smaller professional networks than men).

On-the-ground innovative solutions and experiences that were shared with the audience included capacity building services (training, market linkages, access to finance, and logistics) provided by a social enterprise, Aetrade group, to  small and medium entrepreneurs, but particularly to youth in Africa. The NGO Sati shared with the audience their work on providing biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads to women and girls reducing girls absenteeism. All panelists called for partnership and collaboration to bring the different initiatives to scale in order to empower young women and girls. 

Speakers

Alice Higiro

Ministry of ICT and Innovation in Rwanda

Umutoni Sandrine

Government of Rwanda

Michael Hou

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

Mulualem Syoum

AeTrade

Olugbemiga Adelakin

Benitha Isingizwe

Youth-led Organization Leader and District Youth Council Coordinator, Voice of Youth

Renata Tallarico

Kristin Kagetsu

Saathi Pads

Hawi Girma Megersa

UNFPA and DSW

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Reference links & documents

Testimonials

Room: Mutara

Session leads: United States Department of Labour and International Labour Organization 

Session summary

The session discussed the importance of promoting youth rights at work for individuals, businesses and societies, and shared examples of best practices in eliminating child labour and supporting young people’s transition to decent work.

 The session showcased solutions by workers’ organisations in engaging young workers’ and increasing their awareness of their rights at work. It also highlighted the efforts of employers’ organisations in supporting young entrepreneurs access support services such as entrepreneurship training and finance. The session emphasized the need to draw more attention to child labour in the policy discussions related to youth employment especially given that 35 million children in child labour are between the ages of 15 and 17 and while they have reached the legal minimum age to work, their right to safe and decent work is not respected.

The participants learned about different tools and training materials that can be used to support responsible business conduct and increase youth awareness of their rights including the Sweat & Toil and Comply Chain mobile apps developed by the U.S. Department of Labor and the ILO Work Wise Youth: A guide to youth rights at work.

Speakers

Caroline Njuki

International Labour Organization

Bruno Otiato

Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya

Eesha Moitra

International Labour Organization

Tevin Richard

Federation of Kenya Employers

Sarah Sunderlin

United States Department of Labour

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Videos

Reference links & documents

Testimonials

Room: Gasabo

Session lead: World Bank 

Session summary

This session introduced digital public works as a modernized approach to traditional public works, integrating digital tools to address youth unemployment and economic inclusion. By leveraging digital platforms, remote work, and microtasking, digital public works aim to create new opportunities for marginalized groups, including youth and women. The World Bank's program not only provides short-term income and work experience but also equips participants with digital skills essential for future employment.

However, challenges exist, such as ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure, addressing the rural-urban digital divide, and navigating technical complexities and costs. Concerns about income sustainability, task identification, and scalability highlight the need for further research and refinement of program strategies. Digital public works show promise for social protection and economic empowerment, but ongoing experimentation and evaluation are crucial.

Panellists emphasized the need for policy integration and institutional support for digital public works. Initiatives like setting up digital information centers and leveraging existing programs aim to demonstrate digital tools' capabilities and inform policy decisions. Agile approaches and cross-sector collaboration are vital for effective implementation, with potential applications in infrastructure development, data collection, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response. Successful public works programs require comprehensive strategies encompassing job creation, skills development, and infrastructure improvement, positioning digital public works as part of a broader solution for poverty alleviation and inclusive growth.

Speakers

Sifa Uwera

World Bank

Claudine Nyinawagaga

Local Administrative Entities Development Agency

Ivan Murenzi

National Institute of Statistics Rwanda

Jonathan Stoeterau

World Bank

Richard Nkurunziza

Give Directly

Walter Odero

African Development Bank in Rwanda

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Testimonials

2nd floor & Ground floor

Room: Kivu

A strategic conversation among partners on next steps to boost youth employment action and impact through Decent Jobs for Youth.

Session summary

The session concentrated on strategies to enhance youth employment outcomes by 2030. Key discussions revolved around promoting youth employment in the digital and green economies, addressing the digital divide, and integrating mental health and well-being into youth employment policies. Speakers, including Ms. Mia Seppo, Ms. Gerardine Mukeshimana, Ms. Ann Hershkowitz, and Mr. Jurriaan Middelhoff, emphasized the necessity for innovative approaches, collaboration, and evidence-based practices to overcome these challenges.

Key takeaways from the session underscored the pivotal role of partnerships in scaling youth employment initiatives. The speakers highlighted the importance of meaningful youth engagement, particularly in decision-making processes. Examples, such as the incorporation of climate education in Lagos, Nigeria, illustrated the impact of youth involvement in policy shaping. The session also stressed the need for targeted investment in rural and agricultural sectors, where substantial employment potential exists, and the importance of equipping youth with skills for emerging green jobs.

Next steps involve reinforcing existing partnerships and engaging new partners who recently joined Decent Jobs for Youth, including:

  • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
  • Fundación SES (the commitment)
  • Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) (the commitment)

These organizations bring diverse expertise and commitments to advance youth employment initiatives. Useful resources mentioned include J-PAL’s impact evaluations and upcoming webinars, the International Olympic Committee's collaboration with Fundación SES, and the Korea Employment Information Service’s research. Moving forward, the Global Initiative’s focus will be on creating inclusive digital and green economies, ensuring no youth is left behind, and sustaining hope and determination in achieving the 2030 goals.

Speakers

Susana Puerto

International Labour Organization

Mia Seppo

International Labour Organization

Gerardine Mukeshimana

International Fund for Agricultural Development

Ann Hershkowitz

United States Agency for International Development

Jurriaan Middelhoff

Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

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Testimonials

Room: Kivu

Closing remarks.

Speakers

Mia Seppo

International Labour Organization

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