Geneva - New York: Europe and the Arabs
A report issued by the International Labor Organization stated that the global economy is slowing down, making it difficult for labor markets to fully recover. It stated that global employment in 2024 grew at a pace that kept the unemployment rate stable at 5%, with youth unemployment levels not improving. According to the United Nations daily news bulletin
The report "Global Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025" stated that youth unemployment remained high at 12.6%. Informal employment and in-work poverty returned to pre-pandemic levels, and low-income countries faced the greatest difficulties in creating decent jobs.
The report points to challenges such as geopolitical tensions, the increasing costs of climate change, and debt, which put pressure on labor markets. While inflation has declined, it remains high, which reduces the value of wages, the report said.
Labor force participation rates declined in low-income countries, while they increased in high-income countries, especially among older workers and women. Gender gaps remain wide, with fewer women in the workforce, limiting progress in living standards.

Among young men, participation has fallen sharply, with many not in education, employment or training. The report said this trend was particularly pronounced in low-income countries.

The global jobs gap – the estimated number of people who want to work but are unable to find one – reached 402 million in 2024. Although the gap has gradually narrowed since the pandemic, it is expected to stabilize over the next two years.

New jobs

The study identifies potential job growth in green energy and digital technologies. Renewable energy jobs have risen to 16.2 million worldwide, driven by investment in solar and hydrogen. However, these jobs are unevenly distributed, with around half concentrated in East Asia.

Digital technologies also offer opportunities, but many countries lack the infrastructure and skills to take full advantage of these developments, the report said.
Decent Work and Social Justice
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houmbou stressed the urgent need for action. “Decent work and productive employment are essential to achieving social justice and the Sustainable Development Goals. To avoid worsening social tensions, the escalating impacts of climate change, and rising debt, we must act now to address labour market challenges and create a fairer and more sustainable future,” he said.
The report makes recommendations to address current challenges, including boosting productivity by investing in skills training, education and infrastructure to support economic growth and job creation, expanding social protection by providing better access to social security and safe working conditions to reduce disparities, and using private funds effectively, as low-income countries can use remittances and diaspora funds to support local development.