The second most-cited policy recommendation is equal access to affordable, quality education – with 46% of respondents identifying it as a critical enabler of their future. Young people point to a persistent mismatch between education and labour market needs and are calling for reform: aligning curricula with emerging job markets, and prioritizing digital literacy, critical thinking and adaptability. They also highlight the importance of stronger partnerships between educational institutions, businesses and governments to bridge the education-to-employment gap. Youth-led initiatives such as Technovation in Kenya and Career Counselling for All (CC4ALL) in Pakistan illustrate this transformation in action. Technovation empowers young women through a 12-week technology and innovation programme, building digital skills and confidence while bridging the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. CC4ALL connects students to real career pathways through school- based counselling, skills awareness and government collaboration, helping them navigate emerging industries such as AI and green entrepreneurship. Together, these initiatives show that when education systems integrate mentorship, digital fluency and private-sector collaboration, they create a direct bridge from the classroom to meaningful, future- ready work.Fixing the education-employment mismatch CASE STUDY 6. GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH Scaling apprenticeships and employment through global collaboration Preparing young people for the future of work requires more than opportunity – it demands collaboration across sectors to align education, innovation and employability. The Global Alliance for YOUth is committed to turning this shared responsibility into action, ensuring that young people everywhere can shape and thrive in the economies of tomorrow. Martha Uribe, Chair, Global Alliance for YOUth Launched at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos in 2014, the Global Alliance for YOUth unites 23 leading companies – including Accenture, Adecco, Cargill, dsm-firmenich, EY, HCL Tech, Meta, Microsoft, Nestle, Zurich Insurance and others – to collectively tackle youth employment challenges. Through shared commitments and coordinated action, the alliance integrates young people into the labour market by expanding access to apprenticeships, internships, training and capital for youth-led initiatives. Since its inception, alliance members have created more than 40 million career and development opportunities for people aged 18 to 30 worldwide. Beyond job creation, the alliance supports youth-led innovation through the Innovation Prize, promoting entrepreneurship and skills development as key drivers of opportunity. Working in close partnership with the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN), the alliance advances apprenticeship and work-based learning models inspired by Switzerland’s dual- track system. This approach, which combines classroom learning with paid, hands-on training, is being adapted through GAN’s international network of companies and business federations to connect young people to quality jobs and evolving industries across regions.The Global Alliance for YOUth demonstrates how the private sector can move from commitment to collaboration – scaling proven approaches like the Swiss apprenticeship model into a coordinated global effort that equips young people with the skills, experience and networks to thrive in the future of work. Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 42