Europe's unemployed youths face years trapped in a spiral of poverty and exclusion
“In April 2013, 5.627 million young persons (under 25) were unemployed in the EU-27, of whom 3.624 million were in the euro area. Compared with April 2012, youth unemployment rose by 100 000 in the EU-27 and by 188 000 in the euro area. In April 2013, the youth unemployment rate was 23.5 % in the EU-27 and 24.4 % in the euro area, compared with 22.6 % in both zones in April 2012. In April 2013 the lowest rates were observed in Germany (7.5 %), Austria (8.0 %) and the Netherlands (10.6 %), and the highest in Greece (62.5 % in February 2013), Spain (56.4 %), Portugal (42.5 %)and Italy (40.5 %).”
In all, almost 15m Europeans below the age of 30 are neither in employment, nor in education or training, a measure tagged with the ungainly acronym ‘NEET’.The problem is not confined to the usual suspects, like Greece, Spain, Italy, or Portugal. Nearly a quarter of people under 25 are jobless or not in education in France, Sweden and the UK. What a waste of human capital, hope, dreams and aspirations.
What will be the stance towards Europe, European solidarity, human solidarity and the common good of a generation that is growing up unemployed, neglected and trapped in poverty and despair? A world that does not engage with its youth and is not inspired by their idealism and dreams, is indeed a lost, hope-less world.
Responding to this tragedy, the European leaders have called for accelerating the implementation of a scheme to ensure young people have access to education or training within four months of losing a job or leaving school. Previous pledges have come and gone, however, and unemployment figures continue to rise.
Thus, the big question is: Can anybody in Europe believe their governments anymore? As Mark Twain once remarked: “When all is said and done, there is far more said than done.” Fine words alone no longer suffice. It is time for concrete action to improve the quality of life of our younger generation before it is too late.
Therefore, surely there must be a better way to redesign our economic/socio-political model, so that it serves all people, particularly the young:
Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative: 11th Annual Conference, Paris
Imagining a Better World: An Intergenerational Dialogue for the Common Good to Inspire a Creative Leadership”
Sunday August 25- Wednesday August 28, 2013
Today many of the youth of the world have committed themselves to build a world that is just, free and prosperous for all, by promoting and practicing the true human values of love, compassion, justice, dialogue, truthfulness, honesty, trustworthiness, humility, courtesy, hard work, dedication, commitment, sympathy, empathy, volunteerism and service. Values such as these should never be underestimated; the power of a value-led life coupled with the commitment and the passion of young activists is a force for change that cannot be matched. Such youth are empowering the world for the common good.
These qualities, essential for the moulding of character, must be internalised, and be expressed in daily action, whether in the context of family, community, country, or the world at large. The youth aspire to be an instrument of peace, promoting dialogue, advancing justice, so that we can all realise our dreams. The dream of young people has become the dream of the older generation. Their hope is now the common hope.
Whilst paraphrasing the wise words of the United Nations Secretary- General, and echoing his hope, it can be seen that, around the world, there is growing recognition of the need to strengthen policies and investments involving young people. We call on Governments, the private sector, civil society and academia to open doors for young people and strengthen partnerships with youth-led organizations. Youth can determine whether this era moves toward greater peril or more positive change.
We know that the best ideals of young people are inspired by so much wisdom of previous generations some of it very ancient. In standing upon such ideals and wisdom we proclaim that it is possible to change our troubled world for the better, enabling us to build a world fit for the common good.