Elevating the potential of rural youth: Paths to Decent Jobs and Sustainable Futures

This video provides an in-depth overview of the latest ILO policy brief, highlighting the urgent need to create decent jobs for rural youth by addressing both the demand and supply sides of the rural labour market. It identifies barriers such as limited access to skills development and productive resources, exacerbated by structural deficiencies, while underscoring the potential of the agri-food sector and rural areas for job creation. The brief emphasizes integrated, gender-sensitive, and rights-based approaches underpinned by social dialogue to unlock rural youth potential. Drawing on lessons from the IFAD-sponsored ProAgro YOUTH and JOY projects, it recommends policy actions such as enhancing infrastructure, promoting social protection, and ensuring access to education and training tailored to market needs. It also advocates for diversifying rural economies and stresses the importance of effective partnerships among stakeholders to create sustainable job opportunities for rural youth.