Global Shapers Impact Report 2025

As educational attainment rises – with nearly 48% of young people globally engaged in schooling in 2023, compared to 38% in 20204 – the disconnect between qualifications and job opportunities grows. In developing economies, two-thirds of young workers are in positions that do not match their skills. This mismatch leaves many young people feeling overqualified and undervalued, leading to disappointment and a sense of unfairness. In lower-income regions, the situation worsens: young people who have achieved advanced degrees often face higher unemployment rates than their peers with only basic education. This paradox intensifies a sense of unfairness and disappointment, as those who pursued higher education in the hopes of achieving upward mobility are instead confronted by a labour market that doesn’t recognize or reward their investment or qualifications. This mismatch not only reflects an individual crisis but also highlights systemic failures in aligning educational systems with labour market demands. Young people are encouraged to invest in their education, yet they often graduate into markets that lack the capacity to absorb them. This exacerbates generational inequalities and perpetuates cycles of underemployment, with long-term consequences for young people’s futures. The survey finds that young people want transformative reforms that connect educational systems to evolving job markets. They advocate for curricula that emphasize innovation, adaptability, digital literacy and critical thinking, alongside partnerships between educational institutions, businesses and governments to ensure that qualifications lead to tangible job opportunities. Their message is critical: education must evolve to empower future generations, equipping young people with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.1.2 Educational outlook: aligning skills and demands Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace and reskilling is that bridge between where we are and where we need to be. Let’s build education systems that are responsive to the changing socioeconomic trends. Asha Makana, Global Shaper, Nairobi Hub, Kenya 1313 13 Global Shapers Impact Report