1. Demanding the Future: Navigating the Pacific's Youth Bulge
- Author:
- Catherine Wilson
- Publication Date:
- 07-2020
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- Lowy Institute for International Policy
- Abstract:
- High population growth is driving a rapid increase in the proportion of young people in Pacific Island countries, with half the region's population aged under 23. This 'youth bulge' is particularly acute in Melanesian states and will have a major impact on every area of development in the region in the coming decades. Economic prosperity, political success and social stability in the Pacific Islands region in the future will depend on harnessing this demographic dividend and preventing youth marginalisation and disillusionment. Urgent and coordinated national and regional responses should include addressing pressing health problems, expanding Australia's seasonal worker scheme, increasing migration pathways, and targeted skills and employment programs.
- Topic:
- Demographics, Economics, Migration, Politics, Employment, Youth, Population Growth, and Marginalization
- Political Geography:
- Melanesia and Pacific Ocean