The Global Alliance for YOUth, a business coalition co-founded by Nestlé, is marking its 10th anniversary of empowering young people to enhance their employability and access job opportunities. Over the past decade, 25 international member companies have collectively created over 40 million professional development opportunities for individuals aged 18 to 30 worldwide.
Initially established in Europe during a time of economic uncertainty, the Alliance for YOUth was the first private sector initiative dedicated to equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. The original goal was to generate more than 100,000 job opportunities in the region. By 2019, the Alliance expanded globally to become the Global Alliance for YOUth, achieving substantial progress in its mission to:
- Create Development Opportunities: Member companies have provided more than 40 million opportunities globally, helping youth secure their first jobs, develop essential employability skills, and receive support for starting or growing their businesses.
- Support Vulnerable Youth: Partnering with JA Europe, the Alliance has targeted underserved groups, including refugees and marginalized youth in Germany and Poland.
- Empower Young Innovators: In collaboration with the Global Shapers Community and Accenture, the Alliance launched an annual Innovation Prize, fostering young leaders to address critical social and environmental challenges.
- Promote Digital Skills: The Code4YOUth hackathon, co-organized with HCL Tech, Microsoft, and Publicis Group, champions digital inclusion and skill-building. Finalists from the 5,000 participants had the opportunity to pitch their solutions to industry experts, aiming to make a lasting impact on communities globally.
- Expand Members’ Contributions: Nestlé alone has connected 7.7 million young people to jobs, apprenticeships, and training programs since 2017. In 2023, the company facilitated nearly 24,000 job placements and close to 11,000 apprenticeships for individuals under 30, with a focus on developing young agripreneurs.
Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé and Chairperson of the Global Alliance for YOUth, stated: “In the face of rapid technological change, including AI, our mission is more important than ever. By supporting dual education, digital inclusion, and soft skills development, we prepare youth for the evolving workforce. Young people, as digital natives, are well-positioned to lead societal change and deepen the talent pool for member companies.”
Irina Berestova, a Ukrainian participant in the JA Europe HONOUR Project, shared her experience: “The HONOUR project provided me with the tools and guidance to integrate into the German labor market. I’m grateful for the support, which has been instrumental in setting me up for future success.”
The Global Alliance for YOUth continues to invite companies to join its efforts to tackle youth unemployment. The Alliance’s member companies include major brands like L’Oréal, Microsoft, Publicis Groupe, Meta, Cargill, DSM-Firmenich, Salesforce, Starbucks, EY, and more.
In partnership with organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN), and UNESCO, the Global Alliance is committed to helping young people find jobs, thrive professionally, and start their own ventures.
