2026年青年脉搏：下一代对不断变化世界的见解

I N S I G H TR E P O R T Contents Introduction: Youth in a changing world7 Political outlook14 Technological outlook21 Social outlook28 Environmental outlook35 Policy priorities40 Strategies to future-proof society45 Contributors49 Acknowledgements49 Appendices50 A1.Methodology50 A2.Demography51 Endnotes57 Disclaimer This document is published by theWorld Economic Forum as a contributionto a project, insight area or interaction.The findings, interpretations andconclusions expressed herein are a resultof a collaborative process facilitated and ©2026 World Economic Forum. All rightsreserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced or transmitted in any formor by any means, including photocopying Preface Natalie Pierce,Head, Global Shapers Young people today are coming of age amidprofound global transformations. Acceleratingtechnological change, rising living costs, evolvinglabour markets, declining institutional trust, socialfragmentation and intensifying environmental risksare reshaping societies, economies and daily life. In Several cross-cutting themes emerge. Acrosscontexts, young people are cultivating new formsof belonging and purpose. They are buildingcommunities that bridge divides through learning,service and collaboration. Economic pressures –from inflation to affordability – are influencing young “Youth Pulse 2026”, the World Economic Forum’sflagship report on youth perspectives, draws oninsights from nearly 4,600 young people from 489locations worldwide, representing diverse regionsand contexts. By combining quantitative data Young people are quick to adopt artificialintelligence (AI), even as formal upskilling strugglesto keep pace. This highlights both their willingnessto experiment and the urgent need to expandaccess to advanced skills and meaningful work. Structured around five dimensions – political,economic, social, technological and environmental– the analysis explores the trends young peopleare tracking, the pressures they face, and theleadership approaches they find credible. Italso spotlights replicable youth-led initiatives As societies navigate complex transitions, theinsights of young people offer both a reflectionof present realities and a compass for collectiveaction. This report aims to inform dialogue andcooperation across sectors, fostering shared Key findings The world’s largest generation is sending clear This reportdraws insights fromnearly 4,600 youngpeople aged 18-30 Across every region, young people areinterpreting signals of change and respondingwith determination and innovation. The findings five dimensions – economic, political, social,technological and environmental – offering asnapshot of how the next generation sees today’s Economic outlook inflation and instability as the greatest threatsto their lives. Many are adapting – diversifyingincome, upskilling and pursuing creative or Inequality dominates concerns, butentrepreneurship fuels optimism.1 Nearly half of respondents identify deepeninginequality as the leading economic trendshaping the future. Yet in regions suchas Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia,entrepreneurship emerges as the most Purpose is reshaping career aspirations.3 Across regions, young professionals prioritizepurpose, flexibility and balance ahead oftraditional measures of success. The nextgeneration’s economic outlook is increasingly Financial pressures weigh heavily, drivinga search for resilience.2 Financial strain is the foremost source ofstress for young people, with half viewing Political outlook Cautious about global politics, hopefulabout reform.4 Despite concern over geopolitical tensionsand democratic erosion, nearly half ofrespondents highlight positive politicalshifts – from innovative governance models Transparency and accountability are the mostvalued leadership traits. Gendered insightsreveal that young men most often emphasizecourage to make difficult decisions, while young Trust is highest at the community level. 5 A generation ready to lead.7 Local leaders receive the strongest trustratings, while national figures scoresignificantly lower. This reflects a generational More than one in three respondents say theyare likely to run for political office – signallinga rising interest in direct participation and Technological outlook Young people are aware of the risks of AI-8 Digital innovation is global and youth-led. Regular AI use among young people is highacross regions. These results challengeassumptions that digital innovation isconcentrated in a few markets, revealing a Two-thirds of respondents believe AIwill reduce entry-level job opportunities,underscoring awareness of disruption and the Youth are early adopters of AI. Nearly 60% of young people report using AIregularly to enhance their skills, with anotherthird experimenting occasionally. Only a small Social outlook advocacy are key channels for change; inothers, social entrepreneurship, values-drivencareer choices and