WEF to Tackle 1.2 Billion Youth Jobs Gap at June 23-25 Summer Davos
Updated
Updated · World Economic Forum · Jun 11
WEF to Tackle 1.2 Billion Youth Jobs Gap at June 23-25 Summer Davos
1 articles · Updated · World Economic Forum · Jun 11
Summary
Dalian’s June 23-25 Summer Davos will center on job creation in the AI era, with the World Economic Forum framing entrepreneurs—not algorithms—as the main source of the “next billion jobs.”
1.2 billion young people in developing economies will reach working age over the next 10-15 years, while only about 400 million jobs are expected; the ILO also estimates 262 million young people are outside employment, education or training.
The forum says AI is reshaping work but has yet to deliver broad labor gains: a 2026 NBER study of nearly 6,000 executives found more than 80% saw no measurable impact on employment or productivity over three years.
Discussion in Dalian will focus on three levers for turning technology into jobs—broader skills, better access to internet, payments and capital, and clearer rules for starting and scaling businesses.
That agenda reflects a wider mismatch in capital flows: since 2022, three-quarters of cross-border FDI announcements have gone to advanced manufacturing, AI infrastructure and energy, while the global MSME finance gap stands at $5.7 trillion.
Reports say AI both kills and creates jobs. What skills will truly guarantee a future for young workers?
As AI investment booms, how can leaders ensure capital reaches the entrepreneurs who actually create jobs?
Can new governance models truly empower local entrepreneurs over the tech giants shaping the AI era?
Summer Davos 2026: Confronting the Global Youth Jobs Crisis and the Future of Work
Overview
The World Economic Forum’s 2026 Annual Meeting of the New Champions, known as Summer Davos, is focused on tackling the urgent global youth jobs crisis. The summit brings together leaders to understand the challenges young people face and to develop actionable strategies for their empowerment in a changing economy. Insights from the Youth Pulse 2026 survey reveal that young people now see upskilling as a way to gain empowerment, not just survive. This shift highlights the need for educational and professional development pathways that truly support youth participation in the future workforce.