It is predicted that by 2030, at least 2 billion young people will be seeking work and opportunities, making underemployment and a lack of opportunities one of the most significant socio-economic and security challenges we are currently faced with. Youth unemployment has been directly linked to feelings of social exclusion, anxiety, and hopelessness; and at its worst, can lead to poverty, violent extremism, political instability, and crime. As such, finding solutions to this growing problem will be key to creating a peaceful, sustainable, and equitable future for all. Local entrepreneurs play a key role in achieving this, creating jobs and providing youth employment opportunities for those in their communities.
The role of young entrepreneurs is particularly relevant in the context of fragile and conflict affected states. Young people often turn to entrepreneurship to develop opportunities for themselves and their communities in these circumstances. Moreover, the capacity of young people to deal with the uncertainty, partly caused by fragile ecosystems, can be a powerful source for new ideas and approaches. Especially, digital and social innovations have become prevalent in the workforce to allow them to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is committed to investing in education and youth employment for this reason; aiming to improve prospects for young people, particularly in developing countries and fragile states, by bridging the gap between the skills young people learn and what the labour market demands.
In support of these efforts, the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pleased to launch their annual scholarship in collaboration with One Young World to offer young leaders and entrepreneurs from these countries a place at the annual One Young World Summit.
The One Young World Summit 2025 will see 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries descend to Munich for the global forum for young leaders, during which delegates will present and debate solutions to our time’s most pressing issues alongside senior leaders. This will offer young entrepreneurs an unparalleled experience to become engaged, build on successful initiatives, and connect with other changemakers around the world.