Employment stands as the foremost priority, with 57% of respondents calling for the creation of meaningful economic opportunities for young people. This is a clear call to action: early career employment pathways – including apprenticeships, internships and entrepreneurial support – are essential to unlocking potential and sustaining growth. Young people also emphasize the need for economic empowerment mechanisms and stronger partnerships with the private sector to ensure that employment is not only accessible but also fair, sustainable and aligned with rising living costs. This pattern holds true across regions. In Europe, the “Eurobarometer Youth Survey” found that young people view addressing rising prices and the cost of living as the European Union’s top policy priority for the next five years – reinforcing that economic opportunity and stability are universal youth concerns.29Youth employment is the top policy priorityPolicies that would most empower young people FIGURE 17 10 0 20 30 40 50 60Which policies would empower young people most in your country?* Reforming political systems to increase youth representation Ensuring affordable housing and ﬁnancial independence for young adults Guaranteeing equal access to affordable quality education Creating employment opportunities for youth Providing funding and support for youth-led businesses Expanding mental health support for young people Supporting global youth exchanges, mobility, and leadership development Protecting youth rights and safety in digital and physical spaces Strengthening climate and environmental action led by youth Other 57.2% 46.1% 32.2% 31.4% 29.8% 28.5% 25.8% 13.9% 13.4% 0.9% Note: *Respondents were asked to select up to three Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 41