青年脉动2026：来自下一代的洞察，映照变革中的世界

I N S I G H TR E P O R TJ A N U A R Y2 0 2 6 Images:Getty Images Contents Preface3Key findings4Introduction: Youth in a changing world7Economic outlook8Political outlook14Technological outlook21Social outlook28Environmental outlook35Policy priorities40Strategies to future-proof society45Contributors49Acknowledgements49Appendices50A1.Methodology50A2.Demography51Endnotes57 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 andendorsed by the World Economic Forumbut whose results do not necessarilyrepresent the views of the World EconomicForum, nor the entirety of its Members,Partners or other stakeholders. ©2026 World Economic Forum. All rightsreserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced or transmitted in any formor by any means, including photocopyingand recording, or by any informationstorage and retrieval system. Preface Natalie Pierce,Head, Global ShapersCommunity 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. Inthis context, young people are not only navigatinguncertainty; they are actively reimagining systemsand solutions for the future. 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 youngpeople’s choices while driving innovation in howthey work, save and participate politically. Trustis gravitating towards leaders who are proximate,accountable and effective in their communities. “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 dataand qualitative reflections, the report identifies thepriorities, perceptions and aspirations shaping thenext generation’s outlook. 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.Despite economic strain, their decisions remainvalues-driven, with climate change continuing toshape how they consume, invest and lead. 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 initiativesimplemented this year that translate insightinto action, and outlines practical measuresstakeholders can take to embed youth foresight intopolicy and practice. 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 sharedunderstanding and sustained commitmentto advancing opportunity, resilience andsustainability for the next generation – and thoseto come. Key findings The world’s largest generation is sending clearsignals about the future. This reportdraws insights fromnearly 4,600 youngpeople aged 18-30in 144 countriesand territories Across every region, young people areinterpreting signals of change and respondingwith determination and innovation. The findingsof this report synthesize their perspectives across five dimensions – economic, political, social,technological and environmental – offering asnapshot of how the next generation sees today’stransformations and their role in shaping the future. Economic outlook inflation and instability as the greatest threatsto their lives. Many are adapting – diversifyingincome, upskilling and pursuing creative orentrepreneurial paths that align with theirvalues and aspirations. 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 mostpowerful economic force – reflectinggrowing confidence in innovation and self-determination as key drivers of opportunity. Purpose is reshaping career aspirations. Across regions, young professionals prioritizepurpose, flexibility and balance ahead oftraditional measures of success. The nextgeneration’s economic outlook is increasinglyguided by alignment between livelihood, well-being and societal i