In this unit we will learn about the role of the UN in relation to the development of the sustainable development goals and the role of youth in this process. To start with this unit, we will provide some relevant data related to youth.
Today, 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24 constitute the largest generation of young people in history. About 90 percent of them live in developing regions, where they are the most populous. These numbers are only going to increase: nearly 1.9 billion young people will turn 15 between 2015 and 2030 alone.
According to a VisualCapitalist report, Africa has the 10 countries with the highest proportion of young people, while Japan and Europe have the highest rate of older adults.
The age demographics of countries are determined by two key factors: fertility and mortality.
Throughout history, it was typical to see both birth and death rates at higher levels. But today, in most parts of the world, women are having fewer children, and innovations in healthcare and technology mean we are all living longer. The average person today lives to 72.6 years old, while the rate of births per woman has fallen to 2.5.
These trends have drastically altered the demographics of mature economies, resulting in a much older population. In many developing countries, however, births still outweigh deaths, resulting in populations that skew younger.
This visualization uses data from the World Bank to examine the countries with the highest shares of old and young people.
By 2030, the United Nations estimates that there will be 1.3 billion people on the planet between the ages of 15-24 where the African continent proves to be a fountain of youth globally, as it has the top 10 countries with the highest proportion of young people in the world.
Somalia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are just some of those on the top ten list. The youngest country in the world is Niger, where almost 50% of the population is under the age of 15.
They also point out that while Africa’s domestic markets are growing in terms of labor supply, innovation and potential consumers, challenges also arise in these countries. Corruption, political instability and unemployment are potential barriers to prosperity for the continent’s Generation Z population.
Another Perspective on the Data
Looking at the data from the opposite angle also reveals information about our world. Here’s a look at the countries with the lowest proportions of younger or older people.
Countries with the lowest proportions of younger or older people
Hong Kong and Singapore have some of the lowest fertility rates in the world (1.1), so it’s no surprise to see low numbers of children in their demographic data.
In a country like the United Arab Emirates, the majority of the population is made up of foreign workers, so the number of people in the 65+ age group is extremely low. In the coming decades though, the situation is expected to shift dramatically with one in every five Emiratis residing that age group by 2050.
While each country has its own unique demographic make up, one thing is clear. As education and wealth levels rise around the world, fertility rates are dropping almost everywhere.
The trend of long life expectancies and fewer births is likely to continue, but young outliers will remain and they present immense economic potential.
According to the authors of the report, young countries have significant opportunities ahead as, a younger population means a larger future workforce and more opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
Connected like never before, young people want to (and will) contribute to the resilience of their communities, propose innovative solutions, drive social progress and inspire political change. They are also agents of change, driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve people’s lives and the health of the planet.
To learn more about the situation of young people around the world click here! https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/youth-statistics/
In view of the above, Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake was appointed United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth in June 2017 at the age of 26. As a global advocate for youth, she works to ensure the participation of young people in issues that matter to them, giving them a voice at the UN and around the world. Championing the SDGs, she also brings the work of the UN closer to young people around the world.
Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth
The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth presents this #YouthStats overview highlighting the situation of young people around the world gathered to inform the discussion about the situation of young people.
The information provided in this section was made available with the support of: UNDESA, UNAIDS, UNAOC, UNCDF, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFCCC, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNIDO, UN-HABITAT, UNHCR, UN Millennium Campaign, OCHA, UNODC, UN WOMEN, UNWTO, FAO, ILO, IOM, ITU, WFP, WHO, Office of the SRSG on Violence Against Children, and the UN Peace Building Support Office.