Scotland’s Developing the young workforce strategy takes home the Future Policy Silver Award 2019. The strategy has been selected among 67 nominated policies from 36 countries. The award highlights the world’s most impactful policies empowering youth.
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is Scotland’s youth employment strategy and its government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment and improving the skill levels of young people to adapt to market requirements. It brings together the education system, employers, civil society, youth organisations and local authorities in order to shape the curriculum and expand the modern apprenticeship programme. DYW is now an integral part of the Scottish education system and aligned with ambitious national goals to realise Agenda 2030 and transform into a green economy and a fair society. Its headline target, to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021, has been reached four years ahead of schedule and more than 28,000 modern apprenticeships have been created.
“By empowering youth, it is possible to tackle the multiple global challenges– the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, unemployment and conflicts - that threaten our future. Through effective, holistic policymaking, we can transform our societies and enable youth as powerful agents of change. The 2019 Future Policy Award winners prove that it is feasible – and how. Policymakers across the globe should follow their example and step up similar exemplary political action!,’’ comments Alexandra Wandel, executive director of the World Future Council.
"The Future Policy Award showcases innovative ways to break down barriers in critical areas like youth unemployment and help set free the massive talents of young women and men," says Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator and vice-chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group. "Crucially, shining a light on these exceptional youth initiatives can allow them to be translated to other country contexts -- thus helping to drive forward sustainable development."
Martin Chungong, IPU secretary general, states: “This year’s Future Policy Award honours exceptional policies adopted by political leaders who have decided to act, no longer accepting widespread youth unemployment or the absence of youth in political participation. They are committed to strengthen young people’s voices at all levels, including in getting more young people into parliament, and they have achieved unimaginable change.”
Since its inception, the Future Policy Award has recognised 51 policies from 37 countries that are tackling the world’s most pressing global challenges. This year’s Future Policy Award is organised by the World Future Council, IPU and UNDP, with the support of the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Youth Policy Labs. It was made possible by the generous support of the Michael Otto Foundation and the Jua Foundation.
