Development Alternatives (DA) has committed to Decent Jobs for Youth with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship in underserved areas of India. They will apply social innovation and system change methodologies for unleashing the entrepreneurial energies of young people.  As part of their commitment, they aim to bridge the gaps between voices of the youth and global policies and conversations through their work on global platforms such as  Work 4 Progress (“la Caixa” Foundation), the Systems Play initiative ( University of Cape Town)  and Global Sparks (The Bytes Project). The following interconnected objectives guides their commitment:

Reducing socio-economic, intergenerational and gender barriers faced by aspiring entrepreneurs: by understanding barriers and co-designing relevant solutions with youth to respond to their aspirations and need for employment. DA in partnership with The Bytes Project is developing the Positive Sparks tool to work on understanding youth aspirations across countries, and building solidarity among them to increase their representation in policymaking for youth employment.

Nurturing constructive communities for quality jobs and social well-being: DA is facilitating community-led platforms to encourage solidarity among youth and women. Such platforms will provide support services to equip its members with skills to match new economic opportunities. In partnership with Medha and Janastu, DA is co-designing safe spaces in rural India where women feel free to voice their aspirations and work together to overcome barriers that limit their entrepreneurial spirit.

Building a robust support system for entrepreneurship: by facilitating joint action platforms between relevant stakeholders in the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem. With a network of local civil society organizations and enterprise support service providers, DA is facilitating regional entrepreneurship coalitions that aim to converge resources for youth-led entrepreneurship and also work on increasing their representation in policymaking.

Mainstreaming enabling mechanisms for entrepreneurship-led job creation: By replicating tested solutions and processes for youth employment with regional and global partners, as well as sharing knowledge and lessons through open resources.  Jobs We Want is a one such platform of DA that initiates dialogue on lessons and good practices of its commitment partners and growing network.

"To address the aspirations of youth, we need to practice innovation that is social in purpose, systemic in nature and inclusive by design", says Shrashtant Patara, Sr. Vice President, Development Alternatives. 

 Their commitment will boost action and impact on Youth Entrepreneurship and Self-employment, Youth in the Rural Economy, and Digital Skills for Youth. Driven by innovation and collaboration, Development Alternatives aims to activate systemic drivers for entrepreneurship-led job creation.

 The Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Decent Jobs for Youth was launched in 2016 as a UN system-wide effort, focusing on the youth employment challenge that is central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It has emerged as a global, multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together governments, social partners, the private sector, youth and civil society organizations, and others. They work together to share knowledge, leverage resources and take action at country and regional level, to support young people in accessing decent work and productive employment worldwide.

 For more information, please contact:

Ms. Kanika Verma, Programme Director I kverma@devalt.org  

Ms. Vrinda Chopra, Learning and Knowledge Lead I vchopra@devalt.org 

Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth I decentjobsforyouth@ilo.org