Strategies to future- proof society The imperative to future-proof both society and the livelihoods of young people is not a distant challenge, but an immediate and shared responsibility. The findings of this report underscore that young people are not only signalling the need for change, they are actively engaging with new approaches to leadership, work, technology and environmental stewardship. A critical demographic force, especially in emerging economies, youth priorities are already influencing institutions and markets, demanding that today’s leaders adapt with agility and foresight. To secure sustainable economic growth and societal resilience, youth perspectives must be systematically embedded across sectors and decision-making levels. Institutions must also strengthen mechanisms to listen, interpret and act upon the priorities identified by young people. The following table outlines actionable measures for key stakeholders, including governments, the private sector and civil society, to meaningfully engage with the next generation and future-proof society and economy. While not exhaustive, these recommendations highlight practical and innovative approaches to strategic youth integration, directly addressing the trends and concerns raised by young people in this report. Actionable measures for strategic youth integration by key stakeholders TABLE 1 Economic opportunity: Building security and shared prosperity Governments Implement portable benefit systems and adaptive social protection models such as transferable health, pension and training credits, which support long-term planning even as young people move through flexible or short-term roles. Provide targeted seed funding, tax incentives and mentorship for youth-led enterprises – particularly in green, digital and social innovation sectors. Embed youth-driven foresight in national economic strategies, ensuring that policy and budget cycles reflect the next generation’s priorities and lived realities. Private sector Create inclusive early-career pathways – through apprenticeships, paid internships and skill-based hiring – to expand equitable access to opportunity. Integrate continuous learning frameworks into workplace design, supporting reskilling and career progression as technology evolves. Commit to transparent wage practices and impact reporting, building credibility and trust with a generation that values accountability. Civil society Champion youth participation in economic policy-making, including roles in trade unions, chambers of commerce and policy councils. Advocate for housing and intergenerational wealth reforms to reduce structural inequality. Governance and leadership: Restoring trust through shared power Governments Establish intergenerational foresight and youth advisory councils within ministries to embed long-term thinking in governance. Institutionalize structured mentorship pipelines connecting current and emerging leaders to ensure leadership renewal and knowledge transfer. Promote transparency and open data initiatives that allow citizens, especially youth, to monitor progress and hold institutions accountable. Private sector Partner with youth organizations to co-create leadership programmes focused on ethical innovation and sustainability. Introduce reciprocal mentoring schemes where young professionals and senior executives exchange insights on emerging social, technological and organizational trends. Adopt intergenerational decision-making models that integrate youth perspectives into strategy, product design and public affairs. Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 45