Developing countries must invest more in young people: World Bank Report

A World Bank report says developing countries should invest more heavily in young people in order to increase economic growth and sharply reduce poverty.

The report was released ahead of the bank's annual meeting in Singapore. It says there has never been a better time to train the youth of developing countries more effectively for work and for active citizenship.

The World Bank says there are now 1.3 billion people between the ages of 12 and 24 in the developing world. They are healthier and better educated than previous generations, and they have fewer dependants.

The report says these large numbers present great opportunities, but there are also risks.

The World Bank says young people account for nearly half of the world's unemployed, and far too many cannot read or write. It warns that failure to tackle these problems could lead to widespread disillusionment and social tensions.

Source: ABC News Online