Introduction: The nature of the problem

The problem of mass poverty, unemployment and underemployment was focused by the “First Biennial Review of the Second Development Decade”, prepared by ECAFE, as the major problem facing the developing countries of the region. The Expert Group on Progress Evaluation noted the problem and stated that “the eradication of mass poverty appears as urgent as ever.” The Group found, with reservations about the state of existing data on unemployment and underemployment, that they “are a serious problem in most of the region’s developing countries although there may be substantial variations among countries.” Furthermore, “the spread of education will . . . add a new dimension to the employment problem” because education creates new aspirations and generates new attitudes. The educational system therefore needs to be adapted according to the needs of the developing countries. A “failure to provide suitable employment opportunities to those that have already been educated can only aggravate youth discontent and generate acute social and political tension.”

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities