The world is facing economic uncertainty, political instability, technological disruption and climate crisis, but the youth are no longer taking the back seat but are now becoming agents of change. Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the Next Generation for a Changing World, the flagship report of the World Economic Forum on the perspective of the youth, was published in January 2026, and this is its chief message. The report is based on the perspectives of almost 4,600 youths aged between 18 and 30 years in 489 destinations across the globe, reflecting how the youth will be navigating and at the same time transforming the rapid global change. Organized into five major themes, which include the economic, political, technological, social and environmental, the findings have shown a generation that balances realism and resilience.

On the economic front, the young individuals recognize the increase in inequality, high cost of living and low employment security as the most significant problems. The financial pressure takes over in day-to-day lives, but there is hope in the form of entrepreneurship, creativity and purposeful careers. Meaning, flexibility and work-life balance have become more meaningful to many young professionals than the conventional measures of success. The report is politically against the stereotype of youth apathy. Even though the respondents are concerned with geopolitical tensions and a lack of trust in the institutions, especially at the national level, they are very confident in community-based leadership. Interestingly, over one-third of participants indicate that they will probably become politicians, after which there is an indication of increased ambition to become a direct influence on governance. Young people are the most advanced in artificial intelligence all over the world.

Almost 60% of them claim they use AI regularly, although two-thirds of them express concerns that automation will lead to a shortage of entry-level jobs. Youths require the regulation of ethical AI, more security of data, and access to formal digital skills education. In the social arena, the youth are redefining community via intentional communities, volunteering and civil action amid loneliness and growing polarization. Inclusion has also been one of the values, and most of the people have been urging to transform, rather than to give up on diversity and equity initiatives. Climate change is the most prominent issue in the world environmentally.

Young people are still matching consumption and leadership decisions with sustainability, even in periods of economic pressure. Finally, Youth Pulse 2026 makes a simple point: young people cannot design the future; it has to be designed with them.