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Youth in the national development / employment strategy

Country Country iso alpha 3 code Region Youth in the national development / employment strategy Additional info
Afghanistan AFG Asia and the Pacific Yes - Afghanistan National Youth Policy 2014-2019 - Afghanistan National Youth Strategy 2017-2021
Angola AGO Africa No
Albania ALB Europe Yes - National Strategy for Employment and Skills 2023-2030 - Law 15/2019 "On employment promotion"
United Arab Emirates ARE Arab States No
Argentina ARG Americas Yes Argentina includes young people as a target group within several national policies and programmes related to employment and development, such as: • Employment Promotion Programme (Fomentar Empleo) This programme aims to improve the employability of unemployed individuals, with a particular focus on young people, women, and those from low-income backgrounds. • Return to Work Programme (Volver al Trabajo) An initiative designed to strengthen employment opportunities, especially for young people without formal work. • Progresar Scholarship Programme While primarily focused on education, this programme supports young people to continue their studies and technical training, thereby enhancing their future employment prospects.
Armenia ARM Europe No
Antigua and Barbuda ATG Americas No
Australia AUS Asia and the Pacific Yes Australia's Youth Policy Framework is aimed at those aged 15-24. In addition, Australian Government has a mix of policy and program measures that help young Australians engage in education and employment pathways.
Austria AUT Europe Yes The labor market policy objectives of the Public Employment Service include the integration of youth under the age of 25 into apprenticeships and employment.
Azerbaijan AZE Europe Yes • "Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2030", approved by the Decree of the Head of State on October 30, 2018; • “Action Plan for 2020-2025 for the implementation of the Employment Strategy”; approved by the Decree of the head of state on February 13, 2020; • “Strategy for the socio-economic development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026”, approved by the Decree of the Head of State on July 22, 2022.
Burundi BDI Africa No
Belgium BEL Europe Yes Belgium’s youth are targeted through strategies and programmes across all three regions and the German-speaking Community, each with tailored measures to support youth employment and inclusion. • Brussels-Capital Region Youth employment is central to the Go4Brussels 2030 Strategy, and is embedded in related policy instruments such as: ∙ The Regional Sustainable Development Plan, and ∙ Annual contributions to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Brussels has implemented comprehensive legislative tools to enhance training and employment opportunities for young people (e.g., the Training Plan 2020, integrated into Go4Brussels). • German-Speaking Community Youth are served through targeted labour market subsidies and training pathways: ∙ AktiF and AktiF PLUS subsidies (from 2019): Support employers hiring disadvantaged young jobseekers (≤ 25 years old, low-qualified or long-term unemployed), with additional support for those facing multiple barriers (e.g. language level, reduced capacity). ∙ Transition Course (EPU – Einstiegspraktikum): Enables young jobseekers to start a vocational training programme after just three months of unemployment, down from six months previously. • Walloon Region The region includes youth in several employment and training schemes: ∙ "Impulsion – 25 years" employment incentives ∙ Young people’s integration contracts (prior to repeal in 2019) ∙ Training and Integration Plan (active since 2019) ∙ Youth employment in the non-market sector (solidarity-pact initiatives from 2005/2007) ∙ First Job Agreement (from 1999, updated in 2016) • Flemish Region Youth are included in the region’s labour strategy via: ∙ The Flemish Employment Policy Note (Beleidsnota Werk), setting youth as a core priority ∙ The "All Hands on Deck" initiative, aimed at enhancing youth employability through skills development, inclusive labour market interventions, and dual learning models
Benin BEN Africa Yes Benin includes youth as a target group in several key national strategies and policies: • The National Development Plan (PND) 2018–2025 • The Government Action Programme (PAG) 2021–2026 • The Holistic Social Protection Policy 2024–2033 • The National Employment Policy (PNE) 2020–2025
Burkina Faso BFA Africa Yes Youth are included as a target group in Burkina Faso’s national employment and sectoral policies. • In the National Employment Policy, there is a specific immediate objective to strengthen targeted actions to promote employment, including the promotion of youth employment (Objective a). In addition, Strategic Objective 3 focuses on improving employability, with youth as a key target group. • In the Sectoral Policy on Labour, Employment and Social Protection, several actions specifically refer to young people: ∙ EA.1.1.5: Targeted action to promote decent work is strengthened; ∙ EA.2.1.2: Access to employment for the labour force, particularly youth and women, is improved; ∙ EA.1.2.3: The employability of youth and women is enhanced.
Bangladesh BGD Asia and the Pacific Yes Youth are included as a target group in the 8th Five-Year Plan.
Bulgaria BGR Europe Yes The National Employment Policy is established by the Council of Ministers. In July 2021, through Decision No. 515, the Council approved the Employment Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria—a key strategic document that defines national employment policy, including specific measures targeting young people up to 29 years of age, who are identified as a priority group within labour market policy.
Bahrain BHR Arab States No
Bahamas BHS Americas No
Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH Europe Yes Youth are included as target group in the following strategies: - Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Employment strategy 2023-2030 - The Republic of Srpska Employment Strategy 2021-2027 - The Republic of Srpska Employment Action plan 2022
Belarus BLR Europe Yes - State Programme on Labour Market and Employment Promotion 2021-2025
Belize BLZ Americas No
Bolivia, Plurinational State of BOL Americas Yes Bolivia recognises young people as a target group within several national strategies and public policy instruments aimed at employment and development. These include: • Economic and Social Development Plan 2021–2025 Titled “Rebuilding the Economy to Live Well, Towards Industrialisation with Import Substitution”, this plan establishes strategic priorities for inclusive economic growth. It includes a proposed Comprehensive Employment Policy, which incorporates youth employment as a cross-cutting theme. • Methodological Guide for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship at the Subnational Level Approved through Biministerial Resolution 001/2024 (between the Ministry of Justice and Institutional Transparency and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare), this guide provides direction for public sector institutions at the subnational level to promote youth employment and entrepreneurship. • Oportunidades Bolivia Programme This programme aims to foster and strengthen entrepreneurial initiatives among young people and individuals in vulnerable situations. It provides them with the necessary tools to develop and manage sustainable businesses.
Brazil BRA Americas Yes Brazil includes youth as a priority target group in national employment and development strategies. Young people are specifically prioritized within the Worker Support Fund (Fundo de Amparo ao Trabalhador – FAT), as established by its governing body, the National Deliberative Council of the Worker Support Fund (CONDEFAT). The fund supports employment and income-generation policies, including vocational training and labor market integration programs that directly target youth.
Barbados BRB Americas Yes No further information was provided by the government.
Brunei Darussalam BRN Asia and the Pacific Yes 1. Brunei Vision 2035 2. National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035 2. 11th National Development Plan Brunei Darussalam 2018-2023 3. Labour Force Survey 2022 4. Manpower Planning and Employment Council website
Botswana BWA Africa Yes National Internship Programme - Statistics of interns, National service participants, Volunteers. Youth Development Fund Programme -Statistics of youth funded projects National Youth Policy – Youth employment opportunities created Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, National Action Plan for Youth Employment Ministry of Youth, sport and Culture, Revised National Youth Policy 2010 National Development Plan 11 April 2017 – March 2023
Central African Republic CAF Africa Yes -National Employment Policy; -The RCPCA/Pillar III/Result 3.2.1. Draw up a national programme to promote youth employment in vulnerable areas; -The National Youth Policy and its operational action plan.
Canada CAN Americas No
Switzerland CHE Europe Yes Switzerland does not have a formally adopted national strategy specifically dedicated to promoting youth employment. However, youth are included as a target group within the framework of unemployment insurance (AC), which actively supports their reintegration into the labour market. Through active labour market policy measures—such as job placement services, counselling, and employability-enhancing programs—young jobseekers benefit from tailored support aligned with labour market demands. Cantonal implementation bodies can adapt quickly and flexibly to changing local labour market conditions. Some labour market measures, such as vocational internships, are specifically designed for young unemployed persons. In periods of rising unemployment, additional financial resources are allocated to reinforce support measures, including those targeting youth.
Chile CHL Americas No
China CHN Asia and the Pacific Yes Youth are included as a target group in the 14th Five Year Plan for Employment Promotion.
Côte d'Ivoire CIV Africa No
Cameroon CMR Africa Yes Cameroon includes youth as a target group in several national strategies and policies: • The National Development Strategy (SND30) • The National Action Plan for Youth Employment (PANEJ2), covering the period 2016–2020 • The National Youth Policy, covering the period 2015–2020
Democratic Republic of the Congo COD Africa Yes Young people are included as a target group in the national development strategy and in the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (namely on axis 5: promoting the employment of young people, women and vulnerable people).
Congo COG Africa Yes Youth are included as a priority group in the Accelerated National Development Plan (PND) 2022–2026, which aligns with the government’s designation of this period as the “Year of Youth”. The plan places a strong emphasis on youth inclusion, employment, and empowerment within national development efforts.
Cook Islands COK Asia and the Pacific Yes The Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Plan includes youth as a target group.
Colombia COL Americas No
Comoros COM Africa Yes - National Youth Policy - Emergency Programme for Youth Employment (PUREJ) - National Employment Policy - Plan Comores Emergent (PCE) - Strategy for the Development of Technical and Vocational Training - United Nations Development Cooperation Framework
Cabo Verde CPV Africa Yes No further information is available.
Costa Rica CRI Americas Yes Costa Rica’s National Employment Directorate, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is integrating gender perspectives, youth issues, and social inclusion into the National Employment Policy. As part of this process, a specialised consultancy is carrying out a comprehensive diagnosis that addresses key areas such as: • Gaps in access to and retention in the labour market; • Labour underutilisation, including inactivity and youth who are neither studying nor working (NEET); • Time use, unpaid work, and the care economy; • Labour poverty and inequality dynamics within and between social groups; • Coverage and adequacy of social protection, among other factors. According to the work plan, the policy is currently in the diagnostic phase, during which these priority topics are being consolidated.
Cuba CUB Americas Yes • Comprehensive Policy on Childhood, Adolescence and Youth • Decent Work Programme
Cyprus CYP Europe Yes - Cyprus National Reform Programme 2022 - Strategic Plan of the Department of Labour 2023-2025 - National Youth Strategy 2017-2022 of the Youth Board of Cyprus - National Action Plan for Youth Employment in Cyprus 2014
Czech Republic CZE Europe Yes • The Strategic Framework of Employment Policy until 2030 (Strategický rámec politiky zaměstnanosti do roku 2030) identifies young people as a priority group, particularly in relation to labour market integration and skills development. • The Operational Programme Employment Plus 2021–2027, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), includes targeted measures for youth under the Youth Guarantee Programme, aimed at ensuring timely and quality employment, education, or training opportunities for all young people under 30.
Germany DEU Europe Yes The Federal Government's Skilled Labour Strategy 2021-2025
Djibouti DJI Africa Yes Youth are included as a target group in Djibouti’s employment policy framework. This is reflected in the Operational Action Plan (PAO 2) of the National Employment Policy (PNE) 2021–2024, which outlines concrete measures to promote youth employment and improve their integration into the labour market.
Dominica DMA Americas Yes - National Resilience Development Strategy Plan (NRDS)/2018-2030 - Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP) - Dynamic Dominica. DLP Manifesto 2019
Denmark DNK Europe Yes The Youth Pledge targets approximately 43,000 young people aged 15 to 24 who are not in education or employment. However, the initiatives are broader in scope, also supporting young people aged 25 to 29 who may require additional assistance. The Agreement on 'More Young People in Leisure Jobs' focuses on youth aged 13 to 17, aiming to strengthen their early labour market engagement through part-time employment opportunities. In addition, young people under 30 without vocational education are a defined target group under the Act on Active Employment Services (Lov om en aktiv beskæftigelsesindsats, LOV nr 548 af 07/05/2019). This law provides the legal foundation for tailored employment services targeting vulnerable youth. Furthermore, the Consolidation Act on Municipal Provision for Young People Under 25 (Lov om kommunal indsats for unge under 25 år, LBK nr 1301 af 04/09/2020) requires municipalities to establish municipal youth guidance units. These units are responsible for delivering coordinated, cross-sectoral efforts that integrate education, employment, and guidance services, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized support system for young people.
Dominican Republic DOM Americas Yes The National Employment Plan prioritises support for vulnerable populations in both urban and rural areas, with a particular focus on young people aged 18 to 29 of all genders. Additionally, under the implementation of the Ministry of Labour, the Priority Results-Oriented Programme (PPOR) for Increasing Employment includes a specific target (Output No. 1.014) to implement the Youth Employability Programme. This initiative aims to benefit 3,862 young people through subsidised employment opportunities by the year 2025.
Algeria DZA Africa No
Ecuador ECU Americas Yes The National Development Plan for the New Ecuador, under its Economic Development axis, includes Objective 6, which aims to encourage the creation of decent employment. As part of this, the policy is to develop the capacities of young people aged 18 to 29 to promote their labour market insertion, with the goal of reducing the youth unemployment rate (ages 19 to 29) from 9.29% in 2022 to 8.00% by 2025. One of the main laws enacted by the Government of the New Ecuador is the Law on Economic Efficiency and Job Creation, which seeks to incentivise the creation of new jobs for young people aged 18 to 29 through tax deductions.
Egypt EGY Africa Yes - The Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030 - The Employment strategy 2018-2030
Eritrea ERI Africa Yes Based on the National charter and Macro policy, the line ministries have adopted strategic plans that benefit the youth on their respective sectors by encouraging them to be trained and employed.
Spain ESP Europe Yes Spain includes youth as a target group in its national strategies through the implementation of several key policy instruments: • The Youth Guarantee Plus Plan 2021–2027 for Decent Work for Young People (Plan de Garantía Juvenil Plus 2021–2027 de trabajo digno para las personas jóvenes) provides a comprehensive framework to improve access to employment, training, and support services for young people. • The Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia) also includes youth employment as a key area, with targeted actions to promote labour market inclusion, upskilling, and reskilling of young people.
Estonia EST Europe Yes Young people are recognized as a target group across several legislative and strategic frameworks, including the Social Welfare Act, the Youth Act, and the Labour Market Measures Act. Additionally, youth-related priorities are integrated into national education, welfare, and employment development strategies. The Action plan of the Reinforced Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan 2022-2027 also includes youth as a target group.
Ethiopia ETH Africa No
Finland FIN Europe Yes Youth is included as a target group in the guidelines for the youth employment policy from the Government programme "Inclusive and competent Finland - a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable society" as follows: "Supporting employment of young people. All young people aged under 25 years of age and all graduates under 30 years of age will be guaranteed a job or work trial, traineeship, workshop, apprenticeship or rehabilitation placement no later than three months into the period of unemployment. The Government will promote the Youth Guarantee based on expert work. Ohjaamo (One-Stop-Shop) services and youth workshop activities will be consolidated."
Fiji FJI Asia and the Pacific Yes National Youth Policy and the National Employment Policy.
France FRA Europe Yes France includes youth as a key target group in its employment and development policies. Several national programs specifically address the integration of young people into the labor market, particularly those who are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET). These include: 1. Right to employment support for youth (ages 16–25): Enshrined in Article L.5131-3 of the French Labour Code, this right is implemented through two main instruments since March 1, 2022: • Contractual Pathway for Employment and Autonomy (PACEA): As per Article L.5131-5 of the Labour Code, PACEA is a personalized support program for young people aged 16 to 25 who are NEET. It is delivered by public employment services specialized in supporting young people facing social and professional challenges (notably local missions, or missions locales). The program is based on a contract between the young person and their advisor and includes tailored actions such as training, work placements, and ongoing support. Under certain conditions, participants may also receive financial assistance. • Youth Engagement Contract (CEJ): As defined in Article L.5131-6 of the Labour Code, the CEJ is an enhanced version of the PACEA, offering more intensive support,15 to 20 hours of mandatory activities per week (e.g. workshops, internships, training). Eligible young people may receive a financial allowance of up to €552 per month, depending on their income and commitment to the program.} 2. Mandatory education or training for youth between 16–18 years old: France enforces a compulsory education or training obligation for all youth aged 16 to 18. This measure is designed to provide customized support for early school leavers and prevent long-term disconnection from education or employment. 3. Apprenticeship reform (Law of 5 September 2018 on Career Freedom): Apprenticeship reforms under this law aim to make vocational training more attractive, accessible, and aligned with labor market needs: • Improved attractiveness: Increased apprentice wages and financial support (e.g., for obtaining a driver’s license). • Broader eligibility: Open to youth up to age 29, and beyond for those with disabilities. Liberalized Training Offer: Training providers (apprenticeship centers) now have greater flexibility to develop and expand programs across the country in response to both employer demand and youth aspirations. • Updated funding model: Training centers are financed based on a simplified, demand-driven model.
Gabon GAB Africa Yes National Employment Policy.
United Kingdom GBR Europe Yes The Get Britain Working White Paper sets out a number of reform measures to tackle the root causes behind why young people are not working, joining up help and support, based on the needs of local people and local places. The White Paper sets out fundamental reforms to tackle six key Issues: 1) Too many people are excluded from the labour market - especially those with health conditions, caring responsibilities or lower skill levels. 2) Too many young people leave school without essential skills or access to high-quality further learning, an apprenticeship or support to work so that they can thrive at the start of their career. 3) Too many people stuck in insecure, poor quality and often low paying work, which contributes to a weaker economy and also affects their health and wellbeing. 4) Too many women who care for their families still experience challenges staying In and progressing in work. 5) Too many employers cannot fill their vacancies due to labour and skills shortages, holding back economic growth and undermining living standards. 6) There Is too great a disparity in labour market outcomes between different places and for different groups of people. Wales: • The Stronger, Fairer, Greener - a Plan for Employability and Skills plan, published March 2022, sets out the steps Welsh Government is taking to support people in Wales, particularly those furthest from the labour market, to navigate and respond to work related challenges they may face, whether that is through training, upskilling, changing career or starting a business. A priority within the plan is to promote youth participation, progression and employment. Scotland: • No One Left Behind is the Scottish Government’s shared approach to delivering an all-age, place-based, person-centred model of employability support in Scotland. Young people make up the majority of people supported though No One Left Behind. Indeed, 56% of the total people supported between April 2019 and June 2024 were aged under 25 (37,384). Of these, 27,222 (73%) were aged 15 to 19 and 10,162 (27%) were aged 20 to 24.
Georgia GEO Europe Yes • Vocational Education Strategy 2024-2030 • 2022-2030 Unified National Strategy of Education and Science of Georgia
Ghana GHA Africa Yes Youth are a target group in Ghana’s national policy framework. The Government of Ghana has included youth through various national strategies and policies, in particular the National Youth Policy (2022–2032), which provides a comprehensive framework for youth development and empowerment across multiple sectors. In addition, the importance of youth inclusion is emphasized in official documents such as the Parliamentary Briefing Paper titled “Mainstreaming Youth – The Key to Effective Youth Development in Ghana.” This paper highlights the need to systematically integrate youth-focused interventions into all aspects of national development planning and implementation.
Guinea GIN Africa No
Gambia GMB Africa Yes -National Development Plan 2018-2021 -National Employment Policy and Action Plan 2019-2024
Guinea - Bissau GNB Africa Yes National Employment Policy (forthcoming).
Equatorial Guinea GNQ Africa Yes -Plan “Horizonte” 2020 -National Employment Policy Act
Greece GRC Europe Yes Youth are included as a target group in the National Strategy for Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) - specifically in the Strategic Axis 2: Enhancing youth employment and improving the access of young people to work.
Grenada GRD Americas Yes -The Grenada National Sustainable Development Plan 2035 -The Committee of Social Partners -Both the Poverty Reduction Plan and Blue Growth Strategy provides elements of youth engagement
Guatemala GTM Americas Yes Guatemala includes young people as a priority group in several national development and employment policy frameworks: • The National Policy for Decent Employment 2017–2032, particularly Axis 1 on Employment Generation • The National Youth Policy • The K’atun 2032 National Development Plan • The National Youth Plan "Guatemala Joven" • The National Permanent Programme for Labour Market Inclusion (PNETTE), established under Ministerial Agreement No. 220-2015 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, aims to support the implementation of the National Policy for Safe, Decent and Quality Employment 2012–2021. It promotes mechanisms to facilitate labour market entry, particularly through initiatives such as Workshop Schools and Employment Workshops, which combine training and practical work experience. • The Policy on Non-Formal (Extracurricular) Education, developed under the National Education Council
Guyana GUY Americas No
Honduras HND Americas No
Croatia HRV Europe Yes The National Plan for Labour, Occupational Health and Safety and Employment (2021–2027) prioritizes active employment policy measures targeting disadvantaged groups in the labour market, including young people, the long-term unemployed, older individuals, low-skilled workers, inactive individuals, and women. A key public policy priority is the activation of the inactive working-age population. The sustainable integration of vulnerable groups—especially youth, women, and the long-term unemployed—into the labour market is recognized as essential for driving economic growth and improving living and working conditions. Under Priority 4 of the National Plan, the goal is to increase the activity rate of the working-age population by improving access to the labour market for unemployed and inactive individuals. This includes: • Defining and monitoring active labour market policy (ALMP) measures; • Developing systems for the inclusion of inactive working-age individuals, with special emphasis on NEET youth (Not in Employment, Education, or Training); • Strengthening the Croatian Employment Service in job mediation and information services; • Promoting employment of vulnerable groups through social entrepreneurship. Additionally, the National Program for Youth (2023–2025) serves as the overarching framework guiding youth policy. It is based on the findings of the national analysis of the youth sector and addresses priority areas such as employment, housing, youth employment in tourism (especially for shortage occupations), and financial literacy. This program further affirms youth as a strategic target group in Croatia’s national development and employment agendas.
Haiti HTI Americas No
Hungary HUN Europe Yes Hungary includes youth as a priority target group: • Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus (EDIOP Plus): This program is a key pillar of Hungary’s national development framework, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic economy, particularly through support for SMEs, development of the research and innovation ecosystem, and by strengthening workforce adaptability and quality. • Youth Guarantee Policy Objective: Priority 4 of EDIOP Plus focuses specifically on young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). It provides targeted support to help these young individuals access job opportunities or training. The National Employment Service acts as the main entry point to the program and is committed to offering NEET youth a concrete employment or training opportunity, along with support for implementation, within four months of their registration.
Indonesia IDN Asia and the Pacific Yes Indonesia includes youth as a target group in its National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and Annual Government Work Plan (RKP), both of which are coordinated by the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas). These planning documents set out strategic targets and programs to improve youth employment, skills development, and economic inclusion. • The RPJMN outlines multi-year objectives focusing on enhancing youth employability, expanding vocational training (TVET), and fostering entrepreneurship. • The RKP translates these into annual targets and performance indicators—including specific programs for youth job creation, training incentives, and internships.
India IND Asia and the Pacific Yes
Ireland IRL Europe Yes Youth is included as a target group in the Government's national employment services strategy: "Pathways to Work 2021-2025".
Iran, Islamic Republic of IRN Asia and the Pacific No
Iraq IRQ Arab States Yes - National Employment Policy, - Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Strategy
Iceland ISL Europe No
Israel ISR Europe Yes Not yet available.
Italy ITA Europe Yes Youth are included as target group in the following: - Garanzia Giovani - Recovery and Resilience Plan - GOL Program - - Recovery and Resilience Plan - Active guidance in the transition from school to university - Recovery and Resilience Plan Dual System - Universal civil service - ITS System (higher technical institutes). - National new skills Plan
Jamaica JAM Americas Yes -Vision 2030 Jamaica: National Development Plan (2009-2030) -The National Youth Policy 2017 (Priority #3, Goal #3)
Jordan JOR Arab States Yes Youth are included and targeted in HRD strategy, National framework for empowerment and employment (NFEE), National Service Program. These programs target youth specifically in addition to women.
Japan JPN Asia and the Pacific Yes • The Basic Policy on the Youth Employment • The 11th Basic Plan for the Development of Vocational Abilities
Kazakhstan KAZ Europe No
Kenya KEN Africa Yes Youth are explicitly included as a target group in national policy documents and strategies in Kenya: • Kenya Vision 2030 and its Medium-Term Plans identify youth employment and empowerment as central to the country’s socio-economic transformation agenda. • The Government’s Kenya Kwanza Manifesto and its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) prioritize job creation for youth, particularly through support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), digital economy initiatives, and the creative sector. • The National Employment Policy and Strategy outlines concrete measures to promote youth employment, including skills development, entrepreneurship support, and improved school-to-work transitions.
Kyrgyzstan KGZ Europe Yes Kyrgyzstan includes youth as a target group in its National Development Strategy 2018–2040, which focuses on youth employment, education, and participation.
Cambodia KHM Asia and the Pacific Yes The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) prioritizes youth in its Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I (launched in 2023), which aims at guiding Cambodia’s socio-economic development over the medium term. In this strategy, youth are mainly addressed under: • Pentagon 1: Human Capital Development Side 1: Enhancing the quality of education, sport, science, and technology Side 2: Expanding and improving technical and vocational skills training • Pentagon 3: Development of the Labor Market Side 1: Promoting a dynamic, inclusive, and competitive labor market that actively supports youth employment These strategic priorities are being operationalized through the upcoming National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2024-2028, which will guide the implementation of policies that enhance youth employability and integration into the labor market.
Kiribati KIR Asia and the Pacific Yes • National Youth Policy 2022–2028 • Ministry of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs (MWYSSA) Strategic Plan • Kiribati Development Plan 2024–2027
Saint Kitts and Nevis KNA Americas Yes While there is currently no formal written Employment Policy in place, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is actively engaged in the drafting and consultative process to develop one. Youth employment remains a national priority, and in the interim, the government is implementing key programmes -such as the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP) and ELEVATE - which include components focused on youth internships and workforce readiness, particularly targeting at-risk youth.
Korea, Republic of KOR Asia and the Pacific Yes The youth employment measures primarily target individuals aged 19 to 34, as stipulated by the Framework Act on Youth, enacted in February 2020. Additionally, certain programs, such as youth start-up initiatives, are available to those aged 39 and below, in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Kuwait KWT Arab States No
Lao People's Democratic Republic LAO Asia and the Pacific Yes Law on Lao Youth - chapter 2
Lebanon LBN Arab States No
Liberia LBR Africa Yes Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).
Libya LBY Africa No
Saint Lucia LCA Americas No
Sri Lanka LKA Asia and the Pacific Yes The National Human Resources and Employment Policy for Sri Lanka
Lesotho LSO Africa No
Lithuania LTU Europe Yes Lithuania includes youth as a target group in several national development, employment, and youth policy strategies: 1. Employment Law of the Republic of Lithuania: According to the consolidated version valid in December 2024, young unemployed individuals aged 16–24 are identified as a priority group eligible for additional labor market support (Art. 25, para. 8). This includes access to wage subsidies, active labor market policy (ALMP) measures, and personalized employment services for youth aged 16–29. 2. European Union Funds Investment Programmes: • 2014–2020 Operational Programme: NEET youth were explicitly targeted for employment and activation measures. • 2021–2027 EU Funds Investment Programme: NEET youth continue to be a priority target group, with support aimed at fostering their integration into education, training, or employment. 3. Inclusive Labour Market Development Programme: Identifies young people up to age 29 as a key target group for inclusive employment initiatives. 4. National Youth Policy Action Plan 2023–2027: Focuses entirely on youth-related issues, including the reduction of youth unemployment and the promotion of active participation in the labor market. Youth Guarantee Implementation Action Plan 2025–2029 Targets NEET youth aged 16–29, both unemployed and inactive, to ensure their access to employment, education, or training opportunities within four months of registration.
Luxembourg LUX Europe Yes • National Youth Action Plan 2022-2025 • Employment policies • European Social Fund plus (ESF+) • National implementation plan for the Youth Guarantee
Latvia LVA Europe Yes Young people are a target group in: - The Youth Guarantee programme - Specific active labour market policy measures - National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027 - Social Protection and Labor Market Policy Guidelines for 2021-2027 - Child, Youth and Family Development Guidelines 2022-2027
Morocco MAR Africa Yes Youth are a target group in Morocco’s strategic frameworks, notably the New Development Model (NMD) towards 2035 and the Government Programme 2021–2026. Several active labour market programmes have also been established to support youth inclusion in the workforce, including: • Idmaj: Training-insertion contracts for first work experience, with incentives for employers. • Tahfiz: Promotes permanent hiring in new businesses and cooperatives through tax exemptions. • Taehil: Skills training and reskilling tailored to emerging sectors • Awrach: Aims to create 250,000 direct jobs (2022–2023), especially for low-skilled individuals; Awrach II expands to microenterprises and harder-to-reach groups. • Preschool Training & Insertion: Trains and integrates 9,000 early childhood educators (2021–2023). • Ana Moukawil: Supports 100,000 entrepreneurs and small enterprises (2023–2026), with a focus on informal sector transition. These programmes contribute to a broader employment and entrepreneurship strategy, with special emphasis on regional equity and support for vulnerable youth.
Moldova, Republic of MDA Europe Yes • National Employment Program 2022–2026 – This program outlines specific measures to promote employment opportunities for various groups, including youth. • Youth Sector Development Strategy "Youth 2030" – This strategy sets long-term objectives and actions for youth development across multiple sectors. • Law No. 105/2018 on Employment Promotion and Unemployment Insurance – This law recognizes youth (especially those aged 16 to 24 from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans and those without parental care or under guardianship) as a vulnerable group at risk of social exclusion, and includes provisions for their support and integration into the labor market.
Madagascar MDG Africa Yes Youth are included as a target group within several key national frameworks, including: • The General State Policy; • The National Employment and Training Policy; • The FANOITRA Strategy; • The Programmatic Framework for Employment and Entrepreneurship; • The Roadmap on Madagascar’s Demographic Dividend, particularly its employment pillar.
Maldives, Republic of MDV Asia and the Pacific No
Mexico MEX Americas Yes Between 2019 and 2024, the Youth Building the Future Programme (Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro) has benefited 2,973,461 young people. This flagship initiative of the Mexican Government’s social welfare strategy targets youth aged 18 to 29 who are not currently studying or employed, with the goal of facilitating their integration into the workforce through on-the-job training. To achieve this, the programme partners with registered Job Centres across the country to offer practical training opportunities. Beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend equivalent to one minimum wage, along with health insurance through the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), for a period of up to twelve months. This comprehensive support aims to empower young people with skills, experience, and protection as they transition into productive employment.
Marshall Islands MHL Asia and the Pacific Yes 1. Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) National Youth Policy 2021-2025 2. RMI Youth Corps Act 2016 3. RMI National Action Plan 2017-2019 4. RMI National Strategic Plan 2020-2030 5. RMI Agenda 2020 6. Industrial Development Act
North Macedonia MKD Europe Yes Yoth guarantee scheme 2023-2026
Mali MLI Africa No
Malta MLT Europe Yes The National Employment Policy 2023 addresses the specific challenges faced by young people. It includes several key recommendations, such as: • The reinforcement of the Youth Guarantee; • Enhanced support for lifelong learning; • Stronger career guidance initiatives; • Targeted interventions through projects like atWork4NEETs. A NEET Census, conducted by Jobsplus in December 2023, played a central role in shaping Youth Guarantee 3.0 by identifying specific barriers experienced by young people. The insights from this exercise enabled the design of more targeted and responsive interventions, and informed broader youth-oriented policy decisions. The atWork4NEETs project (running until 2027) further illustrates Malta’s collaborative and evidence-based approach. By partnering with other European regions, Malta is actively enhancing policy tools and practices that support NEETs, ensuring alignment with national employment and development priorities.
Myanmar MMR Asia and the Pacific Yes No further information is currently available.
Montenegro MNE Europe Yes
Mongolia MNG Asia and the Pacific No
Mozambique MOZ Africa Yes • National Employment Policy (NEP): The NEP includes a dedicated section (5.2.6) on employment measures for youth, focusing on enhancing employability, promoting entrepreneurship, and integrating youth into the formal labour market. • Youth Policy (2013–2023): Approved by the Council of Ministers through Resolution No. 16/2013, this policy outlines strategies to ensure youth access to decent work, quality education, and social well-being. • Youth Policy Implementation Strategy (2014–2023): Operationalizes the Youth Policy through annual work plans, focusing on areas such as education, employment, and youth participation in decision-making. • Youth Policy Implementation Strategy (2024–2033): The government is in the process of finalizing this new strategy, which will guide youth development initiatives for the upcoming decade.
Mauritania MRT Africa Yes Yes, youth are included as a target group in several adopted strategies, including the Micro and Small Enterprise Strategy, the Employment Strategy, and the Youth Strategy.
Mauritius MUS Africa Yes Mauritius targets youth within its National Employment Policy 2024–2028. The policy outlines a number of strategic interventions designed to boost youth employability, job creation, and entrepreneurship
Malawi MWI Africa Yes Youth Employment, Enterprise and Skill Development is the priority area 1 of the National Youth Policy 2023-2028. The Malawi 2063 Implementation Plan I has identified the following as key goals and strategies that will promote youth employment: 1. Establish job centers. 2. Establish one-stop business information and services provision centres in district councils across the country to cater for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Cooperatives and Industries. 3. Expand access and quality Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship training institutions for skills development and innovation. 4. Promote and incentive youth engagement in the Agricultural sector through increased mechanization and formation of youth-led agriculture clubs, cooperatives and companies. 5. Promote for youth engagement in other sectors such as mining, transport, tourism, hospitality and food industries. 6. Institutionalise the National Internship and Volunteerism programmes to facilitate skills transfer.
Malaysia MYS Asia and the Pacific Yes • The Malaysian Youth Policy (MYP) emphasizes strengthening youth human capital and unlocking their potential as drivers of the country’s strategic development, in line with the Federal Constitution and the principles of the Rukun Negara. • The Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) 2021–2025 explicitly targets youth development and employment through policies focused on inclusive economic growth, future-ready talent, and improved technical and vocational education and training (TVET). • The 2025 National Budget outlines continued investment in youth employment initiatives, skills development, and entrepreneurship programmes.
Namibia NAM Africa Yes - National Youth Policy - National Development Plan (NDP5) - National Employment Policy II - Harambee Prosperity Plan II - Vision 2030
Niger NER Africa No
Nigeria NGA Africa Yes National Employment Policy (NEP): Priority 4.4.2 of the revised NEP, currently awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council, emphasizes gender responsiveness, youth employment, and empowerment. National Development Plan (NDP) 2021–2025: Chapter 30 of the NDP is dedicated to youth employment and development, highlighting the importance of harnessing the potential of Nigeria's youthful population.
Nicaragua NIC Americas Yes National plan for the fight against poverty for human development 2022-2026
Netherlands NLD Europe No
Norway NOR Europe Yes
Nepal NPL Asia and the Pacific Yes Youth are included as a target group in Nepal’s 16th National Development Plan, the Right to Employment Act, the Foreign Employment Policy and related acts, as well as in the Labor Law.
New Zealand NZL Asia and the Pacific Yes Youth are included as a target group in New Zealand’s Employment Action Plan, which outlines a comprehensive strategy to support individuals into employment and enhance economic outcomes.
Oman OMN Arab States No
Pakistan PAK Asia and the Pacific Yes - Pakistan 2025 - One Nation, One Vision (aka Vision 2025) - National Youth Development Framework 2019 - Annual Plan 2021-22
Panama PAN Americas Yes The My First Job Programme (Mi Primer Empleo) and the Vocational Guidance and Employment Programme (POVE) include youth as a target group within national employment strategies.
Peru PER Americas Yes Peru includes youth as a target group in its adopted National Development Strategy and National Employment Policy. The National Youth Policy (Decree No. 013-2019-MINEDU), under its Priority Objective No. 2, refers specifically to increasing access to decent work for young people. The National Decent Employment Policy includes six Priority Objectives, three of which focus on services for young people: • OP1: Enhance the labour skills of the working-age population. • OP2: Strengthen the link between labour supply and demand. • OP5: Increase employment equity within the potential workforce. This Policy and its related services are aligned with the Strategic Plan for National Development to 2050, approved by Supreme Decree No. 095-2022-PCM, which includes the objective: "To raise competitiveness and productivity levels through decent employment, based on the sustainable use of resources, human capital, intensive use of science and technology, and the digital transformation of the country." It is also aligned with Axis 2 of the General Government Policy 2021–2026, approved by Supreme Decree No. 164-2021-PCM, which seeks to "Promote decent employment and employability," contributing to national productivity and the protection of labour rights, including occupational safety and health. Furthermore, the Employment Policy is aligned with the National Youth Policy, approved by Supreme Decree No. 013-2019-MINEDU, particularly through the following three priority objectives: • OP1: Develop competencies in the educational process of the young population. • OP2: Increase access to decent work for young people. • OP5: Reduce discrimination against young people in vulnerable situations.
Philippines PHL Asia and the Pacific Yes The Updated Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023–2028 serves as the key national framework that includes youth as a primary target group. This plan outlines strategic priorities and programs aimed at promoting youth development and employment across the country.
Palau PLW Asia and the Pacific No
Papua New Guinea PNG Asia and the Pacific No
Poland POL Europe Yes Strategy for the Development of Human Capital - 2030 published in August 2019
Portugal PRT Europe Yes Youth are a central target group in Portugal's employment and social inclusion policies. Several strategic frameworks and measures have been implemented to support young people's transition to the labor market, particularly in response to challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. In the Autonomous Region of Madeira, the regional government, through the public employment service (IEM, I.P.-RAM), adapted existing employment programs to address the specific needs of young people. The following measures were introduced: • Increased approval of internships aimed at young jobseekers; • Enhanced public financial support for internship programs; • Extension of internship duration by three additional months. At the national level, youth employment is supported by a range of strategic policy instruments, including: • The Portuguese Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, which ensures that young people receive a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, apprenticeship, or traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education; • The II National Youth Plan (II Plano Nacional da Juventude), which promotes cross-sectoral policies that address youth needs, including employment and participation; • The Agenda for Decent Work and the Valuing of Young People in the Labour Market (Agenda para o Trabalho Digno e a Valorização dos Jovens no Mercado de Trabalho), focused on improving working conditions, strengthening protections, and reducing precarious employment among youth; • The Medium-Term Agreement for the Improvement of Incomes, Wages, and Competitiveness (Acordo de Médio Prazo para a Melhoria dos Rendimentos, do Salário e da Competitividade), which includes targeted actions to improve youth employability and wage conditions; • The National Reform Program (2022), which outlines structural reforms to boost youth employment, skills development, and economic participation; • The Recovery and Resilience Plan (to be implemented by 2026), which dedicates substantial investment to youth-oriented education, training, and employment initiatives as part of post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Paraguay PRY Americas No
Occupied Territories PSE Arab States Yes National Employment Strategy 2021-2025
Qatar QAT Arab States Yes
Romania ROU Europe Yes Youth are included as a target group in the National Employment Strategy 2021 - 2027 and the Action Plan for the period 2021 - 2027 for the implementation of the National Employment Strategy 2021 - 2027.
Russian Federation RUS Europe Yes
Rwanda RWA Africa Yes • Creation of Productive and Decent Jobs is a core objective under the National Strategy for Transformation Phase 2 (NST2) (Section 3.11). • The Revised National Employment Policy (2019) specifically addresses employment for Youth, Women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under Section 5.5.5, highlighting targeted measures to improve youth employment opportunities.
Saudi Arabia SAU Arab States Yes -National Employment Plan -Saudi Vision 2030 -National Transformation program 2020
Serbia SCG Europe Yes Youth are a key target group in Serbia’s employment and social inclusion policies. In December 2023, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, marking a significant step toward a more coordinated and strategic approach to tackling youth unemployment. The Youth Guarantee is a comprehensive program designed to ensure that all young people up to the age of 30 receive a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, training, or a traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or completing/withdrawing from formal education. This initiative relies on strong intersectoral cooperation, involving key stakeholders such as public institutions, education providers, employers, and social partners. The goal is to improve school-to-work transitions, reduce the duration of youth unemployment, and foster long-term integration of young people into the labour market.
Sudan SDN Africa No
Senegal SEN Africa Yes Given that young people make up approximately 75% of the population, according to the latest general population and housing census, they are specifically prioritised in all development policy documents and strategies.
Singapore SGP Asia and the Pacific Yes Singapore has implemented broad-based employment policies and programmes that cater to the wider workforce (including graduates and working youths), as well as specific initiatives in place to support youth employment. The Government has also rolled out a range of support measures to help youths’ tide through the economic impact of COVID-19 while acquiring industry-relevant skills. The Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth (MCCY) and the National Youth Council (NYC) are complementing these efforts by providing more diverse opportunities. This includes initiatives such as the YouthTech Programme , which aims to equip youths with digital skills and work experience through traineeships with partner organisations, and the Youth Corps Internship Scheme (YCIS) which provides on-the-job training opportunities for students from IHLs through internships with community and social sector organisations. Key opportunities are also consolidated at Youthopia, a digital platform that serves as a first-stop resource portal for youths. Youths who are persons with disabilities (PwDs) can tap on the Open Door Programme, which helps to enhance the employability and increase employment options for, PwDs. The Enabling Employment Credit also provides employers with wage offsets for each Singaporean PwD earning below $4,000 a month that they employ.
Solomon Islands SLB Asia and the Pacific No
Sierra Leone SLE Africa Yes National Development Plan 2019-2023
El Salvador SLV Americas Yes The My First Job Programme (Mi Primer Trabajo) is an initiative jointly developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MTPS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It serves as a youth employment insertion strategy targeting individuals aged 18 to 35, using the apprenticeship contract model. This approach facilitates the integration of young people without prior work experience into formal employment by providing them with their first job opportunity. The programme is currently in its fourth cycle of implementation.
San Marino SMR Europe No
Somalia SOM Africa Yes Somalia’s key strategic documents - including the National Development Plan, the National Employment Policy, and the forthcoming National Transformation Plan - explicitly prioritize youth as a core target group. Recognizing that approximately 80% of the population is young, these frameworks emphasize empowering youth through tailored policies and programs aimed at fostering their economic participation, social inclusion, and overall development.
South Sudan SSD Africa Yes Youths are a primary target group and actively involved in the development of all national plans and policies in South Sudan. However, there is no specific dedicated youth policy document currently available.
Sao Tome and Principe STP Africa Yes Youth are targeted in national strategies, including the National Youth Policy Strategy and the National Employment and Training Plan (PANEF). Implementation is led by both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Labour. These frameworks aim to improve youth inclusion in employment and vocational training initiatives.
Suriname SUR Americas Yes • National Development Plan 2022-2026 • Mid-Term labour market policy 2022-2025 • Decent Work Country Programme 2023-2026
Slovakia SVK Europe No
Slovenia SVN Europe Yes Youth are a target group within Slovenia’s National Employment Policy, particularly through the strategic framework outlined in the Guidelines for the Implementation of Active Employment Policy Measures for the Period 2021–2025 (AEP Guidelines 2021–2025). The Guidelines define four priority goals, with Goal 3 specifically focused on young people: Implementation of the Youth Guarantee – Faster Transition of Young Unemployed into the Labour Market. This objective aims to support a quicker and more sustainable integration of young people into employment. The effectiveness of this goal is monitored through the following indicators: • NEET rate (young people not in employment, education, or training), • Share of long-term unemployed among youth, and • Average duration of youth unemployment.
Sweden SWE Europe Yes Youth is included as a target group in the Youth Policy Letter adopted in March 2021 (Skr. 2020/21:105) https://www.regeringen.se/rattsliga-dokument/skrivelse/2021/03/skr.-202021105/
Eswatini SWZ Africa No
Seychelles SYC Africa Yes The National Employment Policy and the Seychelles National Development Strategy.
Syrian Arab Republic SYR Arab States No
Chad TCD Africa Yes Youth are explicitly included as a target group in Chad’s National Youth Policy (PONAJEUN), which outlines strategic measures to promote the social and economic integration of young people across the country.
Togo TGO Africa No
Thailand THA Asia and the Pacific Yes Thailand includes youth as a key target group in its adopted national development strategies and employment policies, as reflected in the following frameworks and plans: • The National Strategy (2018–2037) - Focuses on human capital development and strengthening, particularly targeting adolescence and working-age populations (see Item 4.2.2, Adolescence & Item 4.2.3, Working Age). • The 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027) - Continues to emphasize youth development and employment within the broader context of national socioeconomic goals. • Thailand Education Scheme (2017–2036) - Provides a long-term framework for education policy that supports youth skills development and lifelong learning. • 5-year Skill Development Action Plan, Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour (2023–2027) - Targets enhancement of youth vocational and technical skills to meet labour market demands. • 5-year Action Plan, Department of Children and Youth, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (2023–2027) - Addresses holistic youth development including social welfare, employment, and rights protection. • Annual Skill Development Plan, Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour (Fiscal Year 2025) - Operationalizes the medium-term skill development priorities with a focus on youth employability. • Policy of the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour (Fiscal Year 2025) - Details employment promotion policies inclusive of youth, aiming to improve job opportunities and labour market integration.
Tajikistan TJK Europe Yes The State Programme on Promoting Employment of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2020-2022. National Programme for the Social Development of Young People in the Republic of Tajikistan 2022-2026.
Turkmenistan TKM Europe Yes • “Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State”: This is the overarching national programme for the socio-economic development of Turkmenistan for the period 2022–2052. • The Presidential Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan (2022–2028) also sets priorities that include youth employment as a key area. • Legal Framework: Article 7 of the Law of Turkmenistan “On Employment of the Population” recognises young specialists seeking employment for the first time as a group entitled to state support. In January 2016, the Minister of Labour and Social Protection approved regulations establishing a quota system: up to 5% of positions in enterprises must be reserved for specific groups, including young specialists.
Timor-Leste TLS Asia and the Pacific Yes Youth is a target group in the National Employment Strategy (2017-2030) and in the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan (2011-2030).
Tonga TON Asia and the Pacific Yes - Tonga National Youth Policy - National Migration for Sustainable Development Policy. One of the thematic policy areas is to address the needs of children, adolescents, and youths.
Trinidad and Tobago TTO Americas Yes • National Youth Policy of Trinidad and Tobago 2020-2025 • Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) Development Policy for Trinidad and Tobago • Roadmap for Trinidad and Tobago Post COVID-19 Pandemic • Vision 2030-The National Development Strategy of Trinidad and Tobago 2016-2030
Tunisia TUN Africa Yes > The implementation of the new active employment programmes- SSE: - The completion of the legislative framework of Law No. 30 of 2020 of 30 June 2020 on the social and solidarity economy, accelerating the preparation of regulatory texts and starting to simplify its procedures and improve its content in order to provide a legislative framework, an effective governance system, flexible incentive mechanisms and the intention to achieve integration with company law. > The implementation of Decree No. 21 of 2021 of the Finance Act of 2022 relating to the creation of a line of financing for institutions of the social and solidarity economy, with an allocation of 30 million dinars spread over 3 years. Within this framework, a partnership agreement was concluded between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training and the Tunisian Solidarity Bank and an organisational protocol was prepared in accordance with the requirements of this agreement to set the practical and executive modalities and make a decision on the setting of the missions and modalities of operation of the joint management committee. > The Small Business Act (development of entrepreneurial spirit) - A national plan for short-term training and retraining - the self-employed entrepreneur: - A national distance learning programme (e-learning and m-learning); - Reintegration and support programmes for school dropouts; - A specific support approach for each actor; > The finance law for the year 2023 : Supporting the financing of micro-projects for higher education graduates through: - Allocation of an additional 20 million dinars to the resources of the national employment fund for the Tunisian Solidarity Bank in order to increase the amount of loans granted by the bank to holders of higher education diplomas from 150 thousand dinars to the limit of 200 thousand dinars per loan. > Supporting the financing of projects within the framework of the economic empowerment of vulnerable and limited income groups through: -The creation of a financing line for the benefit of weak and limited income groups, dedicated to the granting of interest-free loans not exceeding five thousand dinars per loan, to finance activities in all economic fields, during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2023, and it is repayable over a maximum period of 6 years. -An amount of 10 million dinars is allocated to the resources of the National Operating Fund for this line. -It is assigned to the Banque de Tunisie de Solidarité by virtue of a convention concluded to this effect with the ministry in charge of finance and the ministry in charge of exploitation which sets the conditions and modalities of assignment of the said financing. (Information provided in 2023)
Türkiye TUR Europe Yes Youth are a target group in Türkiye’s employment policy framework. The National Youth Employment Strategy, which has been implemented and completed, was entirely focused on promoting youth employment through dedicated targets and measures. In addition, youth employment is addressed within the broader scope of the National Employment Strategy, particularly under the headings of “increasing the employment of groups requiring special policies” and “developing inclusive employment.” These sections outline both current and planned policies aimed at improving labour market outcomes for young people.
Tuvalu TUV Asia and the Pacific No
Tanzania, United Republic of TZA Africa Yes 1. National Youth Development Policy 2007 2. Draft National Youth Participation Strategy 3. National Employment Policy 2008 4. National Strategy for Youth Involvement in Agriculture (NSYIA) 2016
Uganda UGA Africa No
Ukraine UKR Europe No
Uruguay URY Americas Yes Uruguay includes youth as a target group in its adopted National Employment Policy and related legal and policy instruments. • Law No. 19.973 on Employment Promotion includes provisions that specifically incentivise the hiring of young people. These measures aim to support access to employment for groups facing greater barriers in the labour market, including youth. • Youth are also recognised as a priority group in the Youth Employment Act and the Promotion of Youth Entrepreneurship Act, both of which aim to create better employment and self-employment opportunities for young people. • The “I Study and Work” Programme (Programa Yo Estudio y Trabajo) is another key initiative that facilitates young people's integration into the labour market by offering opportunities to gain work experience while continuing their education.
United States USA Americas No
Uzbekistan UZB Europe Yes Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Organizing the Activities of the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation for the Training of Specialists Abroad and Dialogue with Compatriots under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (September 25, 2018, No. UP-5545) Decision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan On Measures to Further Improve the State Policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Area of Cooperation with Compatriots Living Abroad (October 25, 2018, No. PP-3982)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines VCT Americas Yes In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, youth-focused initiatives are embedded in broader policy frameworks, including the Employment and Labour Market Policy and the Government Employment Strategy. In response to structural employment challenges—particularly the decline of the banana industry in the mid-1990s, which led to significant job losses in agriculture—the Government has prioritized creating opportunities in non-agricultural sectors. However, job creation in these sectors has not fully offset earlier losses, leaving many young people vulnerable in the labor market.
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of VEN Americas Yes Youth are a key target group within national development and employment strategies. This is reflected in the framework of the Gran Misión Chamba Juvenil, which outlines programmes aimed at facilitating youth inclusion in the labour market. The National Government, through the Sectoral Vice-Presidency for Social Socialism, works in coordination with government entities to provide direct responses across the country, particularly through the Plan for Assistance to the Victims of the Economic War. It is important to highlight that Venezuela not only continues to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic but also confronts the severe impact of an economic war, blockade, and unilateral coercive sanctions that contravene international law and significantly affect the fundamental human rights of the population, especially young people.
Viet Nam VNM Asia and the Pacific Yes Vietnam includes youth as a target group in its national development strategies and employment policies, as in the following legal frameworks: • Decision No. 1331/QĐ-TTg on the Youth Development Strategy 2021–2030, which includes Objective No. 3 focusing on improving the quality of vocational training, promoting sustainable job creation for youth, and developing high-quality young human resources. • Decree No. 61/2015/NĐ-CP, dated 9 July 2015, which sets out government policies supporting job creation and the establishment of the National Employment Fund, with Chapter IV specifically addressing job creation for youth.
Vanuatu VUT Asia and the Pacific Yes Vanuatu peoples Plan 2030 (NSDP) 2016-2030
Samoa WSM Asia and the Pacific Yes Youth are included as a target group in the Samoa National Employment Policy 2021/2022 - 2026/2027.
Yemen YEM Arab States Yes No further information is provided.
South Africa ZAF Africa Yes - National Youth Development Agency Act, No. 54 of 2008 - National Youth Policy (NYP 2020-2030). - Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS) 2022-2025
Zambia ZMB Africa Yes - Eighth National Development Plan 2022 - 2026 - National Employment and Labour Market Policy
Zimbabwe ZWE Africa Yes • National Youth Policy • National Development Strategy • Zimbabwe National Employment Policy Framework