In response, young people are diversifying income through side hustles, freelance work and small ventures – particularly in digital and service sectors.7 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.Key sources of stress or anxiety FIGURE 2 0What are your biggest sources of stress or anxiety?* Financial concerns Uncertainty about future goals and opportunities Worries about world events, climate change or political issues Academic or job performance pressures/uni00A0 Social expectations, peer pressure or self-image/uni00A0 Family issues or close relationships/uni00A0 Physical health or wellness/uni00A0 Other 10 0 20 30 40 50 6057.2% 49.1% 39.4% 36.6% 31.5% 29.0% 18.4% 1.9% 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.Youth employment is a cornerstone of inclusive growthNote: *Respondents were asked to select up to three Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 10