Youth Pulse 2026

While not always at the top of global policy agendas, access to affordable housing remains a major priority for young people – a foundation for independence, stability and security. This is followed by demands for greater political representation and participation, including lowering barriers to candidacy, institutionalizing youth engagement in decision-making, and ensuring diverse voices in governance. Young entrepreneurs also emphasize the importance of access to capital for youth-led ventures – enabling innovation and self- determination in economies that too often limit entry points for first-time founders. Regional analysis reveals variation in emphasis: in Europe and North America, affordability dominates youth policy priorities; in Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, employment and entrepreneurship top the list; and across Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, representation, inclusion and equitable access are gaining momentum as catalysts for reform.Affordability, representation and access to capital Regional overview of policy priorities FIGURE 18 1 2 Ensuring affordable housing and financial independance for young adults3Creating employment opportunities for youth1 Providing funding and support for youth-led busuinesses2 Guarantee equal access to affordable quality education3 1 2 31 2 3 Creating employment opportunities for youth1 Guaranteeing equal access to affordable quality education2 Supporting global youth exchanges and leadership development3Creating employment opportunities for youth1 Guaranteeing equal access to affordable quality education2 Providing funding and support for youth-led businesses3 1 2 Expanding mental health support for young people3Creating employment opportunities for youth1 Guaranteeing equal access to affordable quality education2 Providing funding and support for youth-led businesses3Which policies would empower young people the most in your country? Asia Pacific and Oceania Middle East and North Africa Europe and Eurasia North America and Caribbean North and East Asia South Asia Latin America Sub-Saharan AfricaCreating employment opportunities for youth Guaranteeing equal access to affordable quality educationEnsuring affordable housing and financial independance for young adults Creating employment opportunities for youthGuaranteeing equal access to affordable quality educationEnsuring affordable housing and financial independance for young adults Creating employment opportunities for youthGuaranteeing equal access to affordable quality educationCreating employment opportunities for youthGuaranteeing equal access to affordable quality educations Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 43