Maldives: Youth make up 35 percent of the country’s unemployed population. Those who do have jobs report working long hours for minimal pay, which negatively impacts their mental well-being. Almost a quarter of Maldivians aged 18 to 35 are neither employed, studying, nor undergoing training, totaling 117,076 young individuals—nearly the entire population of Malé. Despite this, the country has a higher number of young, educated individuals in the workforce than ever before. Young people represent 45 percent of the working-age population, which includes adults aged 18 to 64. Economists and data analysts refer to this situation as a “demographic dividend.” The term “dividend” implies a surplus or profit, and this young, educated workforce presents a significant opportunity for enhancing productivity, growth, and savings if effectively utilized. Experts emphasize that seizing this opportunity requires immediate and decisive actions, such as developing affordable social services, investing in youth skills training, and funding emerging sectors like creative industries and green jobs.
- Lord, we pray for the young people in the Maldives who are struggling with unemployment and low wages. Lord, guide the policymakers and leaders to develop effective programs that will create job opportunities and offer skills training tailored to the needs of the emerging job market. May the youth find paths that lead to meaningful employment and fulfillment (The Holy Bible, Isaiah 58:11).
- Lord, we pray for the nation’s ability to harness its demographic dividend by investing in the creative industries and green jobs. May there be a spirit of innovation and collaboration among businesses, the government, and educational institutions to create an environment that encourages growth and sustainability, ultimately benefiting the entire population (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 16:3).
News Source: Maldives Independent
Image Source: Canva
