News: Chemonics at the Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit

According to the International Labor Organization, 71 million youth were estimated to be unemployed in 2016, and 37 percent of working youth live in poverty. As the future of work evolves and labor markets shift, securing social and economic opportunities for the world’s young people stands as a critical priority for the development community.

At the 2017 Global Youth Economic Opportunities (GYEO) Summit, Chemonics is leading three sessions to share approaches to youth development. Hosted in Arlington, Virginia from September 27 to 29, GYEO is convening hundreds of global stakeholders in the youth economic opportunities community. Chemonics’ sessions will place the most important stakeholder — youth themselves — in the lead on conversations.

“This year’s GYEO Summit raises the important question of how today’s youth will gain the skills and opportunities to take on the problems of tomorrow,” says Senior Vice President Emet Mohr. “We’re excited to have young people lead the conversation on youth development and the changing world of work,” added Mr. Mohr.

In Uganda, youth entrepreneurs are transforming the agriculture sector and creating innovative paths to financial inclusion and economic opportunity. On Thursday, September 28 (3:10 p.m. ET), youth agripreneurs, supported by the Feed the Future Uganda Youth Leadership in Agriculture Activity, will share their personal experiences during the Chemonics-hosted session, “Ready for the Global Workforce: Once 14-Year Old Girls, Now Empowered Youth Entrepreneurs.” During our “Where’s the VALUE for Youth in Agricultural Value Chains?” session on Friday, September 29 (11:45 a.m. ET), youth panelists participating in the same project will highlight vocational training as their path to engagement with Uganda’s thriving agribusinesses.

In Jordan, a growing tourism market is creating demand for skilled workers, especially in the hospitality industry. On Thursday, September 28 (11:35 a.m. ET), Chemonics’ implementing team for USAID’s Building Economic Sustainability through Tourism Project will lead “The Intersection of Tourism and Youth Development: Innovating the Future of Work for Youth in Jordan.” The team will highlight a scaled model of hospitality training that builds the foundation for unemployed youth to enter the workforce with transferrable skills.

Around the world, our specialists are leading innovative programs that bring youth to the forefront of economic growth and community development. Whether through careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, agripreneurship, or tourism, youth deserve a path to prosperity. We look forward to exploring how to make this possible at the 2017 GYEO Summit.

Are you attending the GYEO Summit? Join us on September 28 and 29 for our sessions and follow the event on social media using #GYEO.