INTRODUCTION

To achieve our strategic objectives, YDG engages in a range of activities that include research on critical issues of economy and society; youth development strategies, social innovation and entrepreneurship, and a number of other strategic projects.

Addressing youth development issues is an enormous yet essential undertaking. The YDG suggests a focused yet comprehensive approach to making our interventions more impactful and capable of achieving the desired outcomes.

If properly implemented, the strategy has the potential to change the lives of many of youth in South Africa through positive and constructive interventions aimed at creating a productive population of future leaders in businesses, communities and economies.

BACKGROUND

The lack of employment, a combination of demographic and structural factors have created a demographic bulge, particularly in less developed countries.

Furthermore, youth poverty is a major source of social unrest.

Migration is also being prompted by poverty and conflict, with young people moving out of their countries in search of better opportunities.

The gaps are most pronounced in young peoples access to education, economic opportunities and engagement.

If countries are to succeed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and leave no one behind in the process, governments must seek active, substantive and inclusive engagement of young women and men from diverse backgrounds in the development of their communities and countries.

Youth involvement in the new global development agenda will be crucial as sixty-five out of the 169 SDG targets reference young people explicitly or implicitly, with a focus on empowerment, participation and/or wellbeing. There are 20 youth-specific targets spread over six key SDGs. To achieve SDG 8 promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, 6 a target was set: by 2030, to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value, and by 2020, substantially reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.