A Path for Youth: Strategies for Reducing Youth Unemployment in Iran

Title of the article: A Path for Youth: Strategies for Reducing Youth Unemployment in Iran Thematic Block: Investment in Human Capital Asiyeh Saedi Khoshkarvandani, Student at the Russian State Social University Introduction: Youth are the main pillar of any society and a driving force for its dynamism. Youth unemployment has been one of the most significant economic and social challenges in Iran in recent years. Given the youthful structure of Iran's population and the increasing number of university graduates, the issue of youth unemployment has turned into a serious crisis. According to official statistics from the Statistical Center of Iran , the youth unemployment rate (ages 15 to 29) in Iran reached about 23 percent in 2022, with this figure being even higher among young women. This essay examines the causes of youth unemployment in Iran and presents strategies to reduce this issue. The unemployment situation of youth in Iran: According to a report by the Statistical Center of Iran, the youth unemployment rate in 2022 reached 23%, which is significantly higher compared to the overall unemployment rate in the country (around 9%). Additionally, the unemployment rate for young women in the same year reached about 35%, indicating a significant gender gap in the labor market in Iran. Furthermore, unemployment among university graduates is also very high, and many young people, despite having higher education degrees, are unable to find suitable jobs. The causes of youth unemployment in Iran are related to three main factors: 1. Lack of alignment between skills and labor market needs 2. Economic recession and reduced investment 3. Lack of development in new economic sectors One of the main reasons for youth unemployment in Iran is the mismatch between the skills learned in universities and the actual needs of the job market. Many university graduates lack the practical and technical skills required in various industries and economic sectors, which can be attributed to the lack of educational infrastructure for certain fields. Another factor contributing to this issue is the failure to define curricula for entrepreneurship or entry into the job market related to those fields. Young people, after graduation, do not have a prepared mindset and do not know in which fields they can enter the workforce. Another significant and impactful reason is the prolonged economic recession in Iran and the decrease in investment in the production and industrial sectors, which has led to a reduction in job opportunities for young people. Many companies and factories are unable to attract skilled and new workforce due to economic difficulties. As the world is changing, it is necessary for economic sectors to keep pace with this trend. Unfortunately, modern economic sectors such as information technology, startups, and creative industries have not developed sufficiently in Iran. Meanwhile, these sectors could create many job opportunities for young people. Consequences of Unemployment The lack of appropriate infrastructure for employment and youth unemployment has consequences. Security is one of the very important components for economic growth and development, as well as for ensuring the welfare of society. Security itself is a part of welfare, which is considered a vital element for economic growth (Nobahar et al., 1403). For this reason, it is essential to identify the factors that disrupt security. High rates of crime and delinquency can pose challenges to businesses and economic activities, weaken domestic and foreign investment, and cause irreparable damage to many economic sectors, including tourism (Merton, 1968). According to statistics obtained from a study titled "Unemployment and Crime in the Iranian Cities," conducted by Nobahar and colleagues in 2024, unemployment was identified as one of the fundamental causes affecting crime and delinquency. Therefore, the need for effective strategies to reduce the unemployment rate in Iran is of great importance. Strategies for Reducing Youth Unemployment: 1. Development of skill-based training One of the most important strategies for reducing youth unemployment is the development of skill-based education. The educational system in Iran needs fundamental reforms to be able to teach the skills required by the job market to students. Universities should update their curricula in collaboration with industries and include practical courses and internships in their educational programs. For example, practical training tailored to each field can be added to the curricula. The government and the private sector should collaborate to design and implement educational programs that meet the needs of the job market. To achieve this, young people must learn business management and entrepreneurship skills. These courses can be taught as general and mandatory subjects for all fields in universities and even in schools. These programs should include technical and vocational training, internship courses, and training related to new technologies. 2. Support for startups and small businesses Today's young society is very creative, and the innovative ideas of this group need strong support. The government should assist in the development of startups and small businesses by providing financial facilities and legal support. These businesses can create many job opportunities for young people and contribute to the country's economic growth. Establishing support funds and reducing bureaucracy for starting new businesses are among the essential measures. The provision of these facilities can be considered as scholarships for top graduates in each field, with conditions regarding the employment of specialists in the same field also being stated. The skill to perform the work is also very important, so small associations can be formed in neighborhoods, and young people who have missed the opportunity for education but possess high skills can also be given the chance to utilize these facilities to start a startup and small business. The government should also help create new job opportunities for young people by investing in emerging economic sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, and creative industries. These sectors can act as a driving force for Iran's economy and increase the attraction of young. 3. Encouraging foreign investment Today, many Iranians are scattered around the world. By offering specific plans and creating opportunities for talented young people to connect with foreign investors, a significant boost can be given to Iran's economy. Attracting foreign investment can help create new job opportunities in Iran. Additionally, the government should encourage foreign investors to invest in Iran by improving the business environment and providing financial incentives. This can lead to economic growth and a reduction in youth unemployment. Conclusion Youth unemployment in Iran is a major challenge that requires immediate and comprehensive actions. By developing skill-based training, supporting startups, expanding new economic sectors, and reforming the educational system, we can help reduce youth unemployment. Additionally, encouraging foreign investment and improving the business environment can lead to the creation of new job opportunities and economic growth in Iran. Reducing youth unemployment not only helps improve the economic situation of the country, but also leads to increased social welfare, reduced public dissatisfaction, and a decrease in crime and delinquency rates. Sources 1. پژوهشهای اقتصادی (رشد و توسعه پایدار) پاییز 1403، سال بیست و چهارم - شماره 3 ، ب (وزارت علوم/ISC (‎28 صفحه - از 255 تا 282 ) 2. Merton, R. (1968), Social theory and social structure (2nd ed.), New York: The Free Press 3. مرکز آمار ایران، گزارش نرخ بیکاری سال ۱۴۰۱. آدرس: [www.amar.org.ir](http://www.amar.org.ir) 4. بانک مرکزی جمهوری اسلامی ایران، گزارش اقتصادی سال ۱۴۰۱. آدرس: [www.cbi.ir](http://www.cbi.ir) 5. سازمان بین‌المللی کار (ILO)، گزارش جهانی اشتغال و چالش‌های اجتماعی ۲۰۲۲. آدرس: [www.ilo.org](http://www.ilo.org) 6. وزارت تعاون، کار و رفاه اجتماعی، گزارش وضعیت بازار کار ایران در سال ۱۴۰۱. آدرس: [www.mcls.gov.ir](http://www.mcls.gov.ir) 7. گزارش توسعه انسانی برنامه عمران ملل متحد (UNDP)، ۲۰۲۲. آدرس: [www.undp.org](http://www.undp.org)