6 February 2012: The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has released the 2011 World Youth Report. The Report centers on the contributions from people aged 15-30, through an online consultation process regarding youth employment. Discussions revealed concern that educational systems are not preparing youth to compete for jobs, as well as young people’s interest in climate change, social equity, and innovation in green technologies and communications.

Among the emerging opportunities for youth employment, participants identified the field of environmental sustainability, or “green jobs,” and many said their ideal job would be to work in, or create, green jobs.

In the report’s introduction, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls for a “new social contract of job-rich economic growth,” beginning with young people. [UN Press Release] [Publication: World Youth Report]