World Development Report 2007 - Development and the Next Generation

The World Development Report (WDR) is a World Bank publication that examines the state of the world from a different angle and is published yearly. It's one of the most influential publications about development.

The 2007 WDR focused on young people (ages 12–24) and their contribution to developing their countries. In other words, it was about you and your stake in development.   

Talking About Our Generation

With some 1.5 billion young people between the ages of 12 and 24 in the world, youth represents a tremendous opportunity to accelerate economic growth and reduce poverty worldwide.

In general, there is greater access to education and greater prevention of childhood diseases. More children are reaching young adulthood. With Internet and other technologies, young people are also more aware of possibilities beyond the borders of their own communities, and have higher expectations about life.

In recognition of young people’s increasingly crucial role in addressing global challenges like universal education and healthcare, employment, and poverty reduction, the 2007 World Development Report—the World Bank's annual and highly influential report on development—focused on young people and their role in societies and economies.

Youthink! readers and young people from around the world submitted ideas and recommendations, many of which were included in the report. 

Invest Today, Benefit Tomorrow

Not surprisingly, the 2007 WDR concluded that countries that invest in their youth—of every age—can expect to see significant economic growth in the future.

Entitled Development and the Next Generation, the report also warned of the escalating costs and social unrest in ignoring young people's need for education, healthcare and jobs. It also encouraged governments to create "youth friendly" policies that go beyond the traditional approach to services.

Programs should be developed that enable young people to invest in themselves by providing them with information and incentives to make good decisions. For example, in Bangladesh, monthly stipends encourage girls to delay marriage and stay in school.

Of paramount importance is the creation of "second chance" programs for those who have fallen behind, such as school dropouts, or youth who have been involved in armed conflict. Governments should invest in such programs, and provide vocational training, psychological help, and other forms of support. 

Transition: Yours, Mine, Ours

The WDR identified five key transitions from youth to adulthood, during which young people face both opportunities and risks. The report stated that investing in young people during those periods is crucial, because their decisions will impact the future of human capital in their countries. The transitions are:

• Getting an education. Many young people have trouble getting an education and staying in school. In Brazil, early school leavers cost the GDP a loss of $1.8 trillion.
• Staying healthy. Youth accounts for nearly half of all HIV infections. This age group is also vulnerable to substance abuse and early pregnancies.
• Starting to work. Unemployment rates for young people are 2–3 times higher than those of adults, and they constitute 47 percent of all unemployment.
• Beginning a family later. Mothers who have some secondary education have fewer children, and better educated parents have children who tend to be healthier and better educated. These factors lift families out of poverty in the long term
• Becoming good citizens. Many young people do not have the opportunity for community engagement in their countries. They feel alienated and excluded from their societies, and often the need to belong is what drives young men to join gangs. 500,000 people under age 18 are recruited by military and paramilitary groups worldwide.  

Did My Input Matter?

Yes. In October 17, 2005, Youthink! posted WDR questions for you to answer. Many of your comments were included in the report. 

Who Did the Report Consult With?

Youth around the world are a very diverse group of people. To try to reach as many different young people as possible, the researchers reached out to:

Youth civil society or "youth organizations" Individuals and especially disadvantaged groups Development partners that work with young people or are focused on their issues. 

How Did the Consultations Take Place?

In addition to getting feedback through Youthink!, researchers held consultations globally, nationally and locally, in a variety of formats. Several Youthink! readers submitted recommendations which are included in the WDR2007. One recommendation calls for creating more opportunities for young people to invest in themselves. How do you think your community can do this?

"Development is a complete but total process, it begins with the very first of all steps and that the orientation. Youths should be empowered and Education is the key to successful development. It encompasses all, economic activities. It's the basics." —Nigerian Youthink! visitor, age 23

"As youth we ought to be innovative and come up with many ideas on self employment. i have friends who have projects but no resources and i think thats our main problem. if only we could get help?" —Kenyan Youthink! visitor, age 18