PH youth worried most about climate change, education – Unicef
GENERATION’S ‘BIGGEST PROBLEMS’

Filipino youth worried most about climate change, education – Unicef

/ 05:50 AM September 19, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — About one in every four Filipino youth believe climate change and access to education may become the “biggest problems” of their generation, according to a recent poll of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).

The “lack of entry-level jobs,” on the other hand, could pose as the “biggest obstacle” to their professional growth, a third of the respondents said.

The Unicef survey conducted on June 6 had 3,109 respondents, most of them between the ages of 15 and 19, and 20 to 24.

Article continues after this advertisement

The first question they were asked was: “What do you think will be the biggest problem young people in the Philippines will face in the future?”

FEATURED STORIES

READ: Has the planet’s climate gone haywire?

Aside from “climate change, including natural disasters,” at 26 percent and “being able to finish their education” at 23 percent, other top concerns were “finding a job” and “health, including mental health,” both at 22 percent.

Article continues after this advertisement

The rest were “gender equality” at 2 percent; and unspecified issues or “others” at 4 percent.

Article continues after this advertisement

By age, health was the only one that reached a near majority of 50 percent as it was the top concern for respondents aged 31 to 34, or those part of the so-called “millennial” generation.

Article continues after this advertisement

But among female respondents, the impact of climate change could pose a problem for them, while their male counterparts said “finding a job” and finishing school could be a major issue.

Career obstacles

The participants were also asked about the “biggest obstacle” they may face in trying to attain their “dream job” or in “starting a business.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Thirty-three percent said the “lack of jobs for people with experience” could slow their career growth or foil any business ventures, while 26 percent said the country’s “economic situation” could be a culprit should they encounter career problems.

Asked what could hamper their professional development, 20 percent cited “access to a good education,” while 18 percent pointed to the “use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.”

Only 3 percent said “gender inequality” can become an issue in the workplace.

Pessimistic view

When asked about their outlook for future generations, nearly half, or 44 percent, said that younger people would be “worse off than today.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Thirty-seven percent said they would be “better off than today,” while the remaining 19 percent said they would be “the same as today.”

TAGS: Climate change, Job Opportunities, Unicef, Youth

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.