> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Youth Pulse 2026: # Insights From the Next Generation for a Changing World INSIGHT REPORT JANUARY 2026 # Contents Preface 3 Key findings 4 Introduction: Youth in a changing world 7 Economic outlook 8 Political outlook 14 Technological outlook 21 Social outlook 28 Environmental outlook 35 Policy priorities 40 Strategies to future-proof society 45 Contributors 49 Acknowledgements 49 Appendices 50 A1. Methodology 50 A2. Demography 51 Endnotes 57 # Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2026 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system. # Preface Natalie Pierce, Head, Global Shapers Community Young people today are coming of age amid profound global transformations. Accelerating technological change, rising living costs, evolving labour markets, declining institutional trust, social fragmentation and intensifying environmental risks are reshaping societies, economies and daily life. In this context, young people are not only navigating uncertainty; they are actively reimagining systems and solutions for the future. "Youth Pulse 2026", the World Economic Forum's flagship report on youth perspectives, draws on insights from nearly 4,600 young people from 489 locations worldwide, representing diverse regions and contexts. By combining quantitative data and qualitative reflections, the report identifies the priorities, perceptions and aspirations shaping the next generation's outlook. Structured around five dimensions – political, economic, social, technological and environmental – the analysis explores the trends young people are tracking, the pressures they face, and the leadership approaches they find credible. It also spotlights replicable youth-led initiatives implemented this year that translate insight into action, and outlines practical measures stakeholders can take to embed youth foresight into policy and practice. Several cross-cutting themes emerge. Across contexts, young people are cultivating new forms of belonging and purpose. They are building communities that bridge divides through learning, service and collaboration. Economic pressures – from inflation to affordability – are influencing young people's choices while driving innovation in how they work, save and participate politically. Trust is gravitating towards leaders who are proximate, accountable and effective in their communities. Young people are quick to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), even as formal upskilling struggles to keep pace. This highlights both their willingness to experiment and the urgent need to expand access to advanced skills and meaningful work. Despite economic strain, their decisions remain values-driven, with climate change continuing to shape how they consume, invest and lead. As societies navigate complex transitions, the insights of young people offer both a reflection of present realities and a compass for collective action. This report aims to inform dialogue and cooperation across sectors, fostering shared understanding and sustained commitment to advancing opportunity, resilience and sustainability for the next generation – and those to come. This report draws insights from nearly 4,600 young people aged 18-30 in 144 countries and territories # Key findings The world's largest generation is sending clear signals about the future. Across every region, young people are interpreting signals of change and responding with determination and innovation. The findings of this report synthesize their perspectives across five dimensions – economic, political, social, technological and environmental – offering a snapshot of how the next generation sees today's transformations and their role in shaping the future. # Economic outlook 1 Inequality dominates concerns, but entrepreneurship fuels optimism. Nearly half of respondents identify deepening inequality as the leading economic trend shaping the future. Yet in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, entrepreneurship emerges as the most powerful economic force - reflecting growing confidence in innovation and self-determination as key drivers of opportunity. 2 Financial pressures weigh heavily, driving a search for resilience. Financial strain is the foremost source of stress for young people, with half viewing inflation and instability as the greatest threats to their lives. Many are adapting - diversifying income, upskilling and pursuing creative or entrepreneurial paths that align with their values and aspirations. 3 Purpose is reshaping career aspirations. Across regions, young professionals prioritize purpose, flexibility and balance ahead of traditional measures of success. The next generation's economic outlook is increasingly guided by alignment between livelihood, wellbeing and societal impact. # Political outlook 4 Cautious about global politics, hopeful about reform. Despite concern over geopolitical tensions and democratic erosion, nearly half of respondents highlight positive political shifts – from innovative governance models and greater civic participation to stronger international cooperation and the inclusion of under-represented groups in policy-making. 6 Integrity and collaboration define trusted leadership. Transparency and accountability are the most valued leadership traits. Gendered insights reveal that young men most often emphasize courage to make difficult decisions, while young women place greater weight on collaboration - underscoring the multidimensional leadership young people seek. 5 Trust is highest at the community level. Local leaders receive the strongest trust ratings, while national figures score significantly lower. This reflects a generational preference for leadership that is proximate, accountable and effective in delivering tangible results. 7 A generation ready to lead. More than one in three respondents say they are likely to run for political office – signalling a rising interest in direct participation and confidence in their capacity to drive change. # Technological outlook 8 Young people are aware of the risks of AI-related disruptions. Two-thirds of respondents believe AI will reduce entry-level job opportunities, underscoring awareness of disruption and the need for adaptive skills and forward-looking policies and systems. 9 Youth are early adopters of Al. Nearly $60\%$ of young people report using AI regularly to enhance their skills, with another third experimenting occasionally. Only a small minority have not yet engaged with AI tools. 10 Digital innovation is global and youth-led. Regular AI use among young people is high across regions. These results challenge assumptions that digital innovation is concentrated in a few markets, revealing a generation of early adopters accelerating technological diffusion across the globe. # Social outlook 11 Purpose-built communities counter fragmentation. In an era of polarization, $95 \%$ of respondents say that belonging to intentionally designed youth communities provides a critical space for learning, growth and dialogue. Such communities are emerging as vital infrastructures for connection and resilience. advocacy are key channels for change; in others, social entrepreneurship, values-driven career choices and electoral participation define critical pathways for civic impact. 12 Youth action takes diverse and effective forms. While volunteering remains the leading form of youth civic participation globally, young people are shaping societies in different ways. In some regions, digital organizing and 13 Inclusion is imperative – and must continue to evolve. Amid both progress and backlash in diversity and inclusion efforts, young people reaffirm inclusion as essential. Sixty per cent believe current strategies should continue to evolve, while one-quarter deem them adequate, and fewer than one in 10 consider them as unimportant. Across regions, most young professionals call for inclusion policies to be maintained or strengthened. # Environmental outlook Climate change is the defining global concern - demanding action at every level. Respondents overwhelmingly identify climate change and environmental degradation as the greatest threats to the world. Young people recognize that progress depends on collective effort – with governments, businesses and communities each playing their part. 16 Values and purpose are redefining consumption. Environmental and ethical considerations now rank among the top three factors guiding youth purchasing decisions, after quality and affordability. This marks a growing generational shift towards purpose-driven consumption and green entrepreneurship. 15 Environmental concerns persist. While inflation and economic instability remain the top personal worries, climate change ranks as the greatest threat to young people's lives - showing that environmental concern persists even amid financial pressures. 17 Turning awareness into action. Young people are advancing climate solutions that address urgent local challenges - from renewable energy and sustainable agriculture to nature conservation and waste reduction. Their leadership emphasizes practical, community-based responses to the climate crisis. # Policy priorities 18 Youth employment leads the policy agenda. More than half of respondents $(57\%)$ call for the creation of quality jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people - a goal central to economic growth, innovation and social stability. 19 Bridging the education-employment divide. Equal access to affordable, quality education is the second most-cited policy priority (46%), reflecting recognition that inclusive education systems are essential to economic resilience and social mobility. 20 Affordability, representation and access to capital matter. Affordable housing ranks as the third most urgent concern, followed by greater youth representation in decision-making and increased access to capital for youth-led businesses. Together, these priorities reflect a generation seeking systems that enable security, participation and innovation. # Introduction: Youth in a changing world What can be learnt about the future by listening to the next generation? The future cannot be designed for young people; it must be designed with them. Time and again, we've seen that sidelining youth voices widens generational divides and deepens the crisis of trust. Young people are essential stakeholders across all sectors and societies - engaging them doesn't just improve policy; it renews the very foundations of our shared progress. Sebastian Buckup, Managing Director, World Economic Forum In an era defined by persistent uncertainty and rapid transformation, foresight – the ability to anticipate and interpret the signals shaping our societies, economies and workplaces – is essential to building resilience and ensuring sustainable progress. Foresight is inherently intergenerational. With young people now representing the largest demographic in many emerging economies, engaging with their perspectives is not only a matter of inclusion but of strategy, relevance and effectiveness. Their insights reveal the evolving priorities and emerging forces that will define the decades ahead. Integrating intergenerational viewpoints enables societies to navigate complexity, foster adaptability and catalyse innovation in response to the world's most pressing challenges. The years 2024-2025 have been marked by persistent armed conflicts – eroding trust in institutions – abrupt political transitions and the reconfiguration of global trade. At the same time, labour markets are undergoing profound transformation driven by advances in AI, while environmental degradation and resource depletion continue to accelerate. Against this backdrop, "Youth Pulse 2026" captures the perspectives of young people across five foundational outlooks – political, economic, social, technological and environmental. These dimensions offer a holistic framework for understanding systemic transformation, recognizing that shifts in one domain inevitably ripple across others. Beyond mapping perceptions, the report also documents more than 800 youth-led solutions advanced over the past year by members of the Global Shapers Community. These initiatives reveal where young people identify gaps and how they are addressing them – through collaboration, innovation and community leadership. By surfacing these signals and solutions, the report seeks to inform cross-sector dialogue, guide policy design and strengthen the global foresight ecosystem. Together, these insights offer a lens into how young people interpret global trends, where they are directing their energy for change, and what their perspectives reveal about the future of shared systems. # Economic outlook Inequality is widening within and between generations – yet young people are redefining opportunity through innovation and entrepreneurship. Over the past 25 years, income inequality between countries has narrowed as developing economies have grown rapidly. Yet within countries, gaps have deepened: the United Nations estimates that $71\%$ of the world's population now lives in societies where inequality is rising. $^{1}$ Increasingly, this divide is generational, as young people face higher living costs, job precarity and limited access to affordable housing and capital compared to their parents. Below are the economic trends that young people are tracking – the forces shaping their daily lives and informing their vision for a more inclusive and resilient global economy. # Finding agency amid widening divides Nearly half of the respondents identify deepening inequality as the top economic trend shaping the future. Young people in Europe and North America are acutely aware of widening wealth gaps and diminishing social safety nets; last year's survey found that $64\%$ felt worse off than their parents. $^{2}$ In Sub-Saharan Africa $^{3}$ and South Asia, $^{4}$ by contrast, many point to growing entrepreneurship as the most powerful economic force, reflecting regional confidence in innovation and self-determination despite persistent structural constraints. Which economic trends do you think will shape the future most?* FIGURE 1 Economic trends shaping the future Note: *Respondents were asked to select up to three Financial insecurity ranks as the top personal source of stress, with $57\%$ of survey respondents citing inflation and instability as the greatest threats to their lives. These concerns mirror global patterns: over $70\%$ of young workers are in informal, insecure or low-wage employment, $^{5}$ and cost-of-living pressures are identified by the "Global Risks Report 2025" as a major driver of social unrest. $^{6}$ What are your biggest sources of stress or anxiety?* Note: *Respondents were asked to select up to three In response, young people are diversifying income through side hustles, freelance work and small ventures – particularly in digital and service sectors. These adaptive behaviours show resilience and innovation, but they also underline a critical truth: individual creativity cannot compensate for systemic inequality. Ensuring that resilience translates into lasting opportunity requires inclusive and sustainable labour systems that expand access to meaningful work and economic security. # Youth employment is a cornerstone of inclusive growth Employment remains the defining economic priority for this generation. Fifty-seven per cent of respondents identify youth employment and meaningful economic opportunity as the top policy priority for governments and institutions (see Figure 17). Their message is clear: inclusive growth begins with work that offers purpose and progression. Yet, barriers persist. Young people are three times more likely than other generations to be unemployed, and nearly $70\%$ in low- and middle-income countries work informally. $^{8}$ Automation and AI are reshaping entry-level jobs, while progress in reskilling and apprenticeships has lagged. $^{9}$ Youth unemployment exceeds $25\%$ in North Africa and Southern Europe, $^{10}$ while in East and South Asia, a surge in gig-based work offers flexibility but limited security. $^{11}$ Expanding youth employment demands coordinated action: governments investing in inclusive labour-market policies, businesses creating equitable entry pathways, and education systems aligning skills with emerging demand. When young people are partners in designing these solutions, employment becomes not only a source of income but a foundation for dignity, trust and shared prosperity. # CASE STUDY 1. REIMAGINING ENTRY PATHWAYS - GHANA'S MY FIRST JOB INITIATIVE # Youth-led innovation is transforming national service into a launchpad for employment and skill development. In Ghana, nearly $90\%$ of tertiary graduates remain unemployed during their first year after graduation, reflecting a gap between academic preparation and employability. To address this, an initiative called My First Job – conceived and led by young leaders at the Global Shapers Accra Hub, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the National Service Secretariat – reimagines the country's mandatory national service placement scheme as a launchpad for meaningful youth employment. The scheme runs a mandatory one-year programme for tertiary graduates, providing them with practical work experience. My First Job integrates skill development, coaching and industry mentorship into the existing service year, equipping participants with practical experience and pathways into the labour market. Following the six-month accelerator, $60\%$ of participants secured their first job within three months of completion. By aligning youth-led innovation with public-sector infrastructure, My First Job demonstrates how intergenerational collaboration can transform policy into impact. Its scalable model offers a blueprint for other countries seeking to enhance graduate employability, foster entrepreneurship and build systems where young people are not just beneficiaries, but codesigners of solutions. # Redefining work and purpose For the first time in history, five generations are working side by side.12 When asked what matters most for their future, young respondents emphasized a sense of purpose (61%) and balance (50%) above traditional benefits such as medical coverage or retirement savings. This signals a redefinition of success: while previous generations equated prosperity with stability,[13] young people today emphasize meaning, flexibility and alignment with personal values. Work is not just a livelihood, but a means of contribution – a call for an economics that rewards meaning, well-being and collaboration alongside productivity. What matters most to you when thinking about your future career?* FIGURE 3Career and workplace priorities # Looking ahead towards inclusive and resilient economies Young people's economic outlook blends realism with resolve. They are clear-eyed about the challenges of inequality and precarity, yet persistent in creating opportunity and purpose. Addressing these pressures – from youth employment and affordability to entrepreneurship and education – is essential to building resilient, future-ready economies. Investing in young people's potential is not a social concession; it is a growth strategy – one that determines whether the next generation inherits systems of stagnation or renewal. # Youth-led initiatives advancing solutions for the economy # Type of projects Of all the youth-led initiatives designed to have direct or indirect impact on the economy, Youth Pulse 2026 notes over a 100 initiatives to bring forward solutions for economic growth and opportunity. on employment and entrepreneurship on urban transformation and innovation on financial inclusion and resilience # Stakeholders A majority of the initiatives involve other young people as the primary stakeholder and $60\%$ are partnering with the private sector to deliver on these initiatives. # Partnerships 57.1% Private sector companies 51.4% Civil society organizations 43.8% Directly with citizens 41.9% Public sector 41% Academia Our economies are shifting faster than our systems of education and opportunity, leaving many young people rightly uncertain about their futures. The answer to this societal challenge lies not in reassurance, but in readiness: in giving young people the tools to learn, unlearn, work, build resilience and see what are the pathways to opportunity in this new economy. If business and government leaders commit to pathways of opportunity, this generation's uncertainty can become the catalyst for a new wave of growth and innovation. Taha Bawa, CEO and Co-Founder, Goodwall; Global Innovator, World Economic Forum # Political outlook In a world of shifting power, young people are reimagining leadership – advancing new forms of accountability and civic action. Political systems are undergoing rapid change worldwide – from shifting power balances and democratic backsliding to the rise of new governance models and civic movements. Amid this volatility, the findings of this report reveal a generation deeply attuned to political dynamics yet determined to renew them. These are the political trends young people are tracking - dynamics shaping their political engagement, their confidence in leadership and their vision for the future of governance. # Geopolitical tensions feel close to home When asked which political trends will most shape the next five years, a majority of respondents identify rising geopolitical tension as the defining force. This shared concern reflects both global exposure and personal proximity: young people live in an age of real-time information, where conflicts and power shifts reverberate instantly through digital networks and economies. Geopolitical tension was cited as the top trend in every region (Figure 6), peaking in Europe and Eurasia, where $72\%$ of respondents rank it as the top political trend. # Cautious about global politics, hopeful about reform Despite concerns over polarization and democratic erosion, young people remain optimistic about the potential for political renewal. Survey findings show a near-even split between negative and positive expectations: while $51\%$ cite risks such as authoritarianism and populism, $49\%$ highlight opportunities including innovative governance models, expanded civic engagement, stronger international cooperation and greater inclusion of under-represented groups in policy-making. This balance of realism and optimism signals that young people do not reject politics – they want it to work better. They see reform as possible when leadership is transparent, participatory and focused on shared progress. # FIGURE 4 Political trends that will shape the next five years Which political trends are likely to have the most significant impact in the next five years?* Note: * Respondents were asked to select up to three trends # Trust is highest at the community level When asked which leaders are most effective in driving positive change, young people rated community leaders highest (60%), while heads of state or government ranked significantly lower. This reflects a generational shift in how legitimacy is earned: leadership is trusted when it is proximate and accountable, and delivers tangible improvements to daily life. Young people's trust grows when leaders act collaboratively and remain visibly connected to their communities – a dynamic that is reshaping expectations of political behaviour globally. How effective are leaders in your country in driving positive change?\* FIGURE 5 Perceived effectiveness of leaders in driving positive change Note: * Respondents were asked to select up to three trends # Integrity and collaboration define trusted leadership Across regions, transparency and accountability, innovative vision and long-term thinking remain the most valued leadership traits. Gendered insights reveal further nuance: young men are more likely to prioritize the courage to make difficult decisions, while young women emphasize collaboration and inclusivity. These findings potentially echo broader research which suggests that men and women often approach leadership through complementary lenses rather than opposing ideologies. Women tend to adopt more democratic and participative leadership styles, whereas men are slightly more likely to employ directive or task-oriented approaches. $^{14}$ This distinction echoes the patterns observed in the survey data: young men prioritize decisiveness, while young women emphasize collaboration and inclusivity. Yet despite these differences, both groups converge on a shared aspiration — the need for accountable, transparent and visionary leadership that safeguards democratic integrity. Which qualities do you respect most in leadership?* Male 1 Innovative vision and long-term thinking (58%) 2 Transparency and accountability (56%) 3 Courage to make difficult decisions $(39\%)$ Non-binary/transgender/prefer to self-describe 1 Innovative vision and long-term thinking (52%) 2 Transparency and accountability (50%) 3 Commitment to justice $(34\%)$ Note: *Respondents were asked to select up to three qualities Female 1 Transparency and accountability (57%) 2 Innovative vision and long-term thinking (52%) 3 Willingness to listen and collaborate $(44\%)$ Global average 1 Transparency and accountability (56%) 2 Innovative vision and long-term thinking (54%) 3 Willingness to collaborate $(41\%)$ # A generation ready to lead One of the most persistent stereotypes about young people is political apathy. The survey findings challenge this notion: $36\%$ of respondents say they are likely to run for political office. How likely are you to run for political leadership? FIGURE 7 | Likelihood of running for political leadership However, opportunity gaps persist. Globally, half the world's population is under 30, yet only $2.8\%$ of parliamentarians are aged 30 or younger.[15] This disparity underscores the urgency of institutional reforms that create space for young voices. # CASE STUDY 2. FROM PROTEST TO PARTNERSHIP - NEPAL'S SHAPING POLITICAL FUTURES INITIATIVE # Youth-led dialogue is transforming civic frustration into constructive engagement. Across South Asia, young people are driving a new wave of civic participation – mobilizing for transparency, fair opportunity and institutional reform. From local accountability campaigns in Sri Lanka to youth-led anticorruption efforts in Bangladesh and Nepal, a generation once seen as disengaged is redefining what democratic leadership looks like. Amid this momentum, young leaders from the Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub launched Shaping Political Futures, a youth-led platform developed in partnership with municipal authorities. The platform channels civic energy into dialogue and collaboration – facilitating dialogue between citizens and government, supporting post-protest heritage reconstruction, and training aspiring young candidates through a political leadership accelerator. By coupling activism with institution-building, Shaping Political Futures demonstrates how young people can move from protest to policy – transforming dissent into dialogue and renewal. Its model shows the potential for youth-led governance innovation to strengthen democratic resilience, provided governments and civil society sustain collaboration and embed youth participation in formal decision-making. # Looking ahead towards renewed trust and participation Young people's political outlook is both pragmatic and hopeful. They recognize democratic backsliding, geopolitical volatility and institutional fatigue - yet remain committed to reform, collaboration and participation. Rebuilding trust will depend on shared responsibility: governments embracing transparency, institutions opening decision-making to youth, and young leaders demonstrating integrity in action. With these foundations, political renewal becomes not only possible, but inevitable. # Youth-led initiatives driving political and civic engagement # 97 new initiatives promote democracy and civic engagement # Type of projects <table><tr><td>46%</td><td>Youth empowerment</td></tr><tr><td>27%</td><td>Voter engagement</td></tr><tr><td>22%</td><td>Citizen engagement</td></tr><tr><td>3%</td><td>Driving policy change</td></tr><tr><td>2%</td><td>Supporting public sector and essential services</td></tr></table> Global Reach Solutions were mapped across more than 80 cities in over 40 countries and territories - including $35\%$ capital cities, $45\%$ mid-sized and smaller cities, $10\%$ rural communities, and another $10\%$ located in conflict-affected areas. “In today’s political scenario, an intergenerational vision is not merely an ideal to consider but a sine qua non to address the current challenges of trust and information integrity. In a world where digital spaces increasingly prevail and influence more than traditional ones, young people play a central role as the main users, promoters and consumers of the narratives that shape our daily lives. Rebuilding trust and collaboration at the community level rather than the national one reflects a growing critical awareness among youth to apply a truly “glocal” mindset in everyday life.” Humberto Rumbos, Caracas Hub; member of the Global Future Council on Information Integrity # Technological outlook Young people are embracing AI as a tool for opportunity – while calling for ethical safeguards, equitable access and future-ready skills. Emerging technologies such as AI and advanced robotics are no longer distant innovations; they are already transforming how young people live, learn and work. Young people today are digital natives – curious, adaptive and creative – actively experimenting with new tools while navigating both the opportunities and the risks these technologies present. The technological trends that young people are tracking are the forces shaping their daily experiences and future expectations across education, work and social connection. # Embracing innovation, demanding guardrails Nearly nine in 10 survey respondents identify the rapid growth of AI as the most transformative technological force of the coming years. This consensus reflects both optimism about AI's potential and awareness of its risks. # FIGURE 8 | Technological trends that will shape the next five years Which technological trends do you think will have the biggest impact in the next five years?* Note: *Respondents were asked to select up to three trends Alongside innovation, young people are calling for stronger governance. Concerns about privacy, data misuse and the erosion of human interaction feature prominently across responses. They want technology that serves people – not the other way around. Global frameworks such as the AI Principles of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development $^{16}$ and the EU AI Act $^{17}$ echo these priorities, emphasizing human rights-based design, clear accountability and robust oversight. For this generation, trust in technology will depend on whether these safeguards are not only written but also enforced. # Automation anxiety: Entry-level jobs at risk Two-thirds (66%) of respondents believe AI will reduce the number of entry-level roles available over the next three years, reflecting concern about automation's impact on early career pathways. Routine and process-driven tasks – often concentrated in junior roles – are perceived to be the most at risk. This anxiety is backed by new data: the Stanford Digital Economy Lab reports a $13\%$ relative employment decline among young workers in the most exposed occupations. $^{18}$ Researchers suggest that AI models are replacing book learning more than tacit knowledge – displacing those still early in their careers while not affecting more experienced employees. As AI reshapes labour markets, young people are calling for adaptive skill systems and public-private partnerships to ensure technological disruption does not deepen inequality. What impact do you think AI will have on entry-level roles over the next 3 years?* Note: *Respondents were asked to select up to three trends # Early adopters and informal learners Despite their concerns, young people are leading AI adoption. Nearly $60\%$ report using AI regularly, and another third experimenting occasionally. By contrast, $68\%$ of people aged 50 and older report they have never used AI tools,[19] underscoring the generational divide in AI literacy. However, familiarity does not necessarily translate into formal expertise. Many young people have yet to participate in structured AI training,[20] revealing a gap between experimentation and certified skills. This skill divide within the AI generation is compounded by the slow pace of change in education systems, where curricula often lag behind technological realities. Experts at advisory firm Gartner note that those who can translate AI familiarly into certified, high-value skills will be best positioned to seize emerging economic opportunities $^{21}$ – a shift that will increasingly define competitiveness across genders, generations and industries. Bridging this divide will be essential to ensure that early adoption translates into inclusive, long-term opportunity. How are you currently engaging with AI tools? 59.2% I regularly use AI tools and actively seek to improve my skills 33.1% I occasionally use AI tools and learn informally (e.g. through videos or articles) 3.7% I am enrolled in a course or formal training on AI tools 2.6% I have not used any AI tools yet, but I plan to in the near future 1.3% I have not used any AI tools and do not plan to in the near future # AI adoption spreading across all regions and genders Across all regions and genders, AI engagement among young professionals is high - signalling that this generation is driving a truly global wave of technological adoption. Regular use is most widespread in North and East Asia (69%), the Middle East and North Africa (66%), and Sub-Saharan Africa (63%), while rates in North America and the Caribbean, though slightly lower, continue to grow rapidly. This narrowing regional gap highlights a promising trend: young people everywhere are becoming active participants in the AI economy, even in places where access to digital infrastructure has historically lagged. Survey findings show minimal gender disparity in AI adoption: young women and men are engaging with AI tools at nearly equal rates, reflecting a generation-wide embrace of digital innovation. How are you currently engaging with AI tools? I regularly use AI tools and actively seek to improve my skills I occasionally use AI tools and learn informally (e.g. through videos or articles) I am enrolled in a course or formal training on AI tools I have not used any Al tools yet, but I plan to in the near future I have not used any AI tools and do not plan to in the near future # CASE STUDY 3. SHAPING DIGITAL FUTURES # Youth-led collaboration is bridging the global AI skills gap through innovation and inclusion Across the Global Shapers Community – active in over 150 countries and territories – young leaders are reimagining how societies prepare for the digital age. Shaping Digital Futures is a youth-led initiative bridging the global AI skills gap by defining the competencies that matter most for the future of work – and building the partnerships to deliver them. What makes the initiative distinctive is its multistakeholder approach. Young leaders co-design cutting-edge curricula with partners such as Google and Amazon, ensuring that learning reflects real-world needs while remaining accessible and inclusive. Participants gain not only technical literacy but also the problem-solving and ethical reasoning skills essential for navigating AI responsibly. Already scaling to reach 15,000 learners worldwide, the initiative prioritizes gender equity and open access, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared broadly. By uniting youth leadership, business expertise and public-sector collaboration, Shaping Digital Futures demonstrates how young people are not waiting to adapt to the digital economy – they are actively shaping it, transforming the AI transition into a pathway for shared prosperity and human-centred innovation. # Looking ahead towards inclusive and ethical digital futures Young people's relationship with technology blends curiosity, caution and conviction. They are not merely adapting to disruption – they are shaping it. Their expectations are clear: innovation must be ethical, education must evolve and opportunity must be shared. Investing in digital inclusion, transparent governance and youth-driven skilling is not just preparation for the future of work; it is the foundation of a more human-centred digital age. # Youth-led initiatives on technology Of youth-led initiatives on technology are actively partnering with private companies to deliver impact Nearly half of the initiatives are partnering with civil society organizations Projects are on digital inclusion and technology # Themes covered # 77% of the projects are on upskilling for tech/tech education, focusing on digital literacy, capacity building and the development of technological skills # 13% are on AI, advancing the use of AI in education and fostering awareness of its societal impact # 10% pertain to equitable access to technology, expanding inclusive opportunities for technological # Impacted Groups # 85.5% Young people # 21.1% Women and girls # 49.1% Schools and universities # 18.2% Entrepreneurs and start-ups # 49.1% Jobseekers and unemployed groups “As AI reshapes industries, the global priority must shift from access to agency. Today's youth are early adopters but only a small fraction have access to formal AI education, even in Western Europe. Formal AI skill ing including critical thinking must become as universal as digital access once was. Only when every young person can not only use AI but also understand how it works, think critically about each output and build relevant, reliable and responsible solutions, will this technological wave become truly inclusive.” Benedikt Gieger, Strategic Project Manager, AI and Manufacturing, SAP "From a youth standpoint, urgency arises not only from the scale of adoption but also from the opportunity to reimagine governance itself. Al is arriving in public systems just as younger generations are demanding transparency, inclusivity and measurable, positive impact." Valeria Tafoya, Fellow at Stanford University's McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society; member of the Global Future Council on GovTech and Digital Public Infrastructure # Social outlook Young people are rebuilding community and belonging in an age of fragmentation – redefining connection, inclusion and civic purpose. Around the world, young people are growing up in a paradox: more connected than ever yet often feeling alone. Digital technologies have made interaction instant and borderless, but they have also blurred the boundaries between work and rest, self and society. Nearly half of survey respondents (48%) believe the normalization of digital lifestyles will define the decade ahead, and almost as many expect rising social fragmentation (47.8%) and loneliness (44%) to be the defining features of life. These findings echo global research: the “World Happiness Report 2025” identifies young people as the group most affected by social isolation and declining mental health,[22] while the “ILO Youth Employment Trends 2025" links financial insecurity to heightened anxiety.[23] Together, these pressures are reshaping how young people relate to one another – and to society itself. Despite these strains, young people are not withdrawing. They are reimagining community. Across regions, they are building new forms of belonging – digital and in-person – that blend connection with purpose, and care with civic action. These are the societal trends that young people are tracking – social dynamics shaping their sense of identity, connection and participation in an increasingly complex world. # Digital lifestyles redefine connection Digital life is no longer separate from social life – it shapes how young people learn, work, form relationships and express identity. Across platforms and tools, their engagement is near constant: $73\%$ of young people use YouTube daily, while $60\%$ use TikTok and Instagram almost continuously.[24] Meanwhile, $60\%$ of survey respondents use generative AI regularly (Figure 10). FIGURE 12 Social trends that will shape the next five years Which social trends are likely to have the most significant impact in the next five years?* Note:* Respondents were asked to select up to three trends # Purpose-built communities counter fragmentation Even amid rising individualism and fragmentation, young people are building intentional spaces of connection. Over $95\%$ of survey respondents say that being part of a youth community has provided them with a critical space for learning, growth and dialogue. Against a backdrop where fewer than $30\%$ of people globally believe most others can be trusted,[25] this finding signals how community design can rebuild social trust from the ground up. Intentionally designed youth networks with clear mandates are emerging as powerful spaces for connection and purpose. Seventy-two per cent of respondents said being part of local youth communities has helped them gain confidence to identify opportunities and take action; $67\%$ said they have been able to mobilize actions to solve local challenges; and $67\%$ that they have been able to forge meaningful connections with local actors. Purpose-built youth networks have become incubators of resilience, civic leadership and collective problem-solving, equipping young people to address both personal and societal challenges. # CASE STUDY 4. SHRED THE DEBT # Youth-led action for health equity and financial justice. Across the United States (US), young people are confronting one of the country's most pervasive barriers to well-being: medical debt. Through Shred the Debt, a youth-led initiative spreading across the Global Shapers Community, local hubs in cities including Chicago, Sacramento and Oakland are partnering with Undue Medical Debt, a non-profit that purchases debt from collection agencies for pennies on the dollar. By leveraging this model, young people are buying and forgiving medical debt for individuals and families at a fraction of its original cost, restoring dignity and financial freedom to those affected. To date, the initiative has erased over $1.7 million in medical debt, offering immediate relief while sparking a national conversation on the link between health, inequality and systemic reform. More than a financial intervention, Shred the Debt is a civic movement – uniting young people around a shared mission of solidarity and social justice. With a goal to expand to 50 US cities, the initiative demonstrates how youth networks can translate empathy into collective action, create scalable impact, and strengthen community trust. # Regional differences in social engagement Youth action takes many effective forms worldwide. While volunteering remains the most common form of civic participation, the ways young people contribute vary sharply by region. In Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa, volunteering and community service are powerful expressions of solidarity. Across North and East Asia, digital organizing and online advocacy are increasingly viewed as effective tools of influence. In Latin America and Europe, voting and civic campaigns drive participation, while in South Asia, social entrepreneurship and values-driven career choices are emerging as central pathways to impact. Across contexts, young people are redefining civic engagement – moving fluidly between activism, enterprise and everyday acts of leadership to build fairer, more resilient societies. What forms of social engagement do you think contribute most to creating positive change?\* Asia Pacific and Oceania <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Working for ethical, impactful companies</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Having conversations that challenge bias</td></tr></table> Europe and Eurasia <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Voting in local or national elections</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Working for ethical, impactful companies</td></tr></table> North and East Asia <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Working for ethical, impactful companies</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Having conversations that challenge bias</td></tr></table> Latin America <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Working for ethical, impactful companies</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Having conversations that challenge bias</td></tr></table> Middle East and North Africa <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Having conversations that challenge bias</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Working for ethical, impactful companies</td></tr></table> North America and Caribbean <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Voting in local or national elections</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Having conversations that challenge bias</td></tr></table> South Asia <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Having conversations that challenge bias</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Working for ethical, impactful companies</td></tr></table> Sub-Saharan Africa <table><tr><td>1</td><td>Volunteering for community projects</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Having conversations that challenge bias</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Voting in local or national elections</td></tr></table> # Inclusion is imperative – and must continue to evolve When asked how the future of inclusion should be shaped, most young people expressed confidence in existing frameworks but called for evolution, not replacement. Sixty per cent believe current strategies should adapt and evolve, while $23\%$ are satisfied to continue them as they are. Fewer than one in 10 consider inclusion policies unimportant. FIGURE 14 Future of inclusion In building a future of inclusion, it will be most impactful to… 24.1% Continue implementing current inclusion strategies 14.0% Design a fully new approach 61.9% Adapt and evolve existing approaches Through 2,200 open-text responses, young people have described inclusion as a continuous process of transformation – integrating values into structures, and empathy into systemic change. By clustering and analysing recurring themes across responses, four key priorities emerged as the most frequently cited pathways to advance equity and inclusion: Education and equitable access, especially access to quality learning and technology. - Empathy, respect and collaboration, emphasizing dialogue across difference. - Representation in leadership, ensuring diverse voices shape decision-making. - Adaptation and innovation, reimagining systems to remain relevant and fair. In a period where inclusion efforts face both scrutiny and retrenchment, young people reaffirm their commitment to building societies that are fair, participatory and open – not as an endpoint, but as an ongoing collective pursuit. # Looking ahead towards renewed connection and belonging Young people's social outlook reflects both vulnerability and vision. They are aware of the forces fragmenting societies, yet are actively rebuilding the bonds that hold them together. Through digital creativity, volunteerism and inclusion-driven leadership, they are designing communities rooted in empathy, purpose and participation. In a world of growing isolation, their message is clear: belonging is not something to be found – it is something to be built together. # Youth-led initiatives delivering social outcomes Of youth-led initiatives have partnered with civil society Types of projects 1 Equitable and inclusive societies | 2 Mental health and well-being | 3 Education and skills development | 4 Health equity and healthcare access | 5 Arts, culture and the creative economy | 6 Humanitarian action and response | 7 Migration and displacement # Stakeholders Solutions mapped across more than 150 cities in 66 countries and territories, reaching diverse groups such as young people (58%), women and girls (38%), schools and universities (35%), families and households (24%), minorities and racial groups (17%), people with disabilities (14%), rural populations (14%), and more. 58 Young people 38.2% Women and girls ${13}/{14}$ 35.1%