Youth Pulse 2026

Youth employment leads the policy agenda. More than half of respondents (57%) call for the creation of quality jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people – a goal central to economic growth, innovation and social stability. Bridging the education-employment divide. Equal access to affordable, quality education is the second most-cited policy priority (46%), reflecting recognition that inclusive education systems are essential to economic resilience and social mobility. Affordability, representation and access to capital matter. Affordable housing ranks as the third most urgent concern, followed by greater youth representation in decision-making and increased access to capital for youth-led businesses. Together, these priorities reflect a generation seeking systems that enable security, participation and innovation.Policy priorities 18 20 19 Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 6