Youth are not merely numbers—they are a driving force behind innovation and productivity, provided they possess the right skills. A striking example can be seen in the world’s leading technology companies. As of 2025, the ten most valuable corporations by market capitalisation—such as Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet/Google, Amazon, Meta, and others—collectively generate around 2.2% of global GDP (approximately $2.53 trillion out of a total of $115 trillion), while employing just 0.048% of the world’s working-age population. This means that the average employee in these companies is 46 times more productive than the rest of the 5.33 billion working-age individuals globally, and 30 times more productive than the average worker. Such a disproportionately high contribution per employee is largely due to the presence of highly skilled young professionals.

The average age of employees in such leading companies is around 30 to 32 years. For instance, the median age of Facebook employees was just 28, while at Yahoo it was 27. Over 58% of Apple’s workforce is under the age of 30. This young talent pool reflects the flexibility, digital literacy, and innovative thinking that drive the success of these companies. Young professionals tend to adopt new technologies more quickly, adapt more easily to change, and approach problem-solving with creativity—qualities that are vital in rapidly evolving industries. In short, educated youth significantly enhance innovation and economic productivity, as evidenced by their substantial contribution to global GDP.

According to UN data and UNESCO reports, the age range from 15 to 29 is considered crucial in the development of human capital. During this period, individuals not only acquire education but also begin to apply their accumulated knowledge in practical contexts, shaping innovative approaches and transforming established systems.

Research by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights that young people are more inclined towards entrepreneurial activity than other age groups, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving digital economy. The UN Youth Report notes that entrepreneurs under the age of 30 are more likely to introduce innovations in areas such as sustainable development, environmental protection, healthcare, and education. Young scientists adapt more quickly to emerging technologies and are able to develop unique solutions based on them. This is especially important in the era of accelerated technological advancement, where flexibility and adaptability are increasingly valued over traditional academic experience.

Moreover, young researchers and startup founders tend to work more quickly and flexibly under conditions of limited time and resources. This fosters a culture of high efficiency that leads to the creation of products capable of transforming entire industries. Many well-known educational platforms—such as Coursera, Duolingo, and Khan Academy—were founded by individuals under the age of 30 who sought to revolutionise access to knowledge. The high level of efficiency among young professionals is also supported by research in the field of scientific productivity monitoring. For example, experts have found that early-career scientists in Eastern European countries are among the most productive, with young researchers outperforming their older peers by as much as 200% in terms of output.

The demographic boom in Central Asian countries, along with the fact that the region is one of the youngest in the world—with an average population age of 26.2 years—underscores the importance of implementing systemic measures to harness the potential of the demographic dividend. For the region, investing in youth represents the most promising path for economic development, and the arguments outlined above fully support this view. Educated young workers have the capacity to drive the growth of high-tech sectors—from IT startups to advanced manufacturing—helping to diversify economies beyond raw materials. They are more adept at mastering new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and fintech, and serve as engines of entrepreneurship. In today’s global knowledge economy, human capital—especially youth—is the key determinant of competitiveness. By developing a well-educated and innovative young generation, Central Asian countries can increase labour productivity and build globally competitive industries.

Comparative labour market data also show that a young workforce with technological skills is a key driver of economic growth. Research indicates that increasing the proportion of youth with higher education by just 1% can significantly boost GDP per capita—especially when young people’s skills align with market demands. Startups and companies led by young individuals tend to be more innovative and play a vital role in job creation. In this context, the efforts of Central Asian countries are well justified, as they are not only actively expanding access to education, but also implementing systemic measures to ensure that young people have access to capital, mentorship, and regional markets to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life.

To fully harness the demographic and economic potential of youth, institutional frameworks are needed to ensure sustainable regional cooperation. In this regard, an important task is to leverage the potential of the existing youth platform—the “Central Asian Youth Dialogue,” established on 2 October 2023 in Arkadag city. The priorities of the Dialogue were published as a formal statement and distributed in the six official UN languages as an official document of the 78th session of the General Assembly.