International Migration in a Globalizing World - The Role of Youth

This technical paper International Migration in a Globalizing World: The Role of Youth highlights the role of youth in international migration. While there is no universally accepted definition of youth, the United Nations defines youth, for statistical purposes, as persons aged 15 to 24 years. The paper shows that youth and young adults, that is, those aged 18 to 29, are the most mobile among people of all ages. The paper discusses the main reasons for the migration of youth and young adults, including employment, education, family formation and reunification as well as conflict and persecution.