Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council, hosted by Qatar, convenes during UN General Assembly to advance youth employment and entrepreneurship

New York, September 25, 2025 — The State of Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), hosted the 2025 Generation Unlimited (GenU) Global Leadership Council (GLC) Meeting during the United Nations General Assembly. The gathering brought together heads of state, global CEOs, multilateral leaders, and youth representatives to accelerate solutions for youth employment and entrepreneurship.

With over one billion young people across the Global South expected to enter the workforce by 2035, and only 400 million new jobs projected, the GLC addressed one of the most pressing global challenges: bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity.

The high-level meeting was witnessed by H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of the Qatar Fund for Development, and was co-chaired by Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, and Mohamed Kande, Global Chairman of PwC.

It featured participation from Hon. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development for Canada, Prime Minister H.E Mia Mottley of Barbados, Prime Minister H.E Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, Vice President H.E KashimShettima of Nigeria, Vice President H.E Josephine LaguYanga of South Sudan, SAP CEO Mr. Christian Klein, and Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of Qatar Fund for Development, alongside industry leaders and youth changemakers from around the world

Discussions spotlighted policy reforms, innovative financing, and future-ready skilling pathways to prepare youth for opportunities in the digital, green, and blue economies. The Council also highlighted youth-led climate action and entrepreneurship as drivers of resilience and inclusive growth.

Reaffirming its long-term dedication to empowering young people, QFFD signed a US$2 million contribution agreement to expand Generation Unlimited’s efforts in advancing youth employment and entrepreneurship, with the aim of reaching more than 2.4 million young people worldwide.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the State of Qatar and the Qatar Fund for Development that will provide millions of young people with the skills they need for the jobs they want,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. “This strong public and private effort, in collaboration with youth, is paving the way for a generation of young people to be ready for the opportunities of the future. We especially value the commitment to improving livelihoods and promoting economic empowerment for girls and young women.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with the State of Qatar and the Qatar Fund for Development that will provide millions of young people with the skills they need for the jobs they want,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. “This strong public and private effort, in collaboration with youth, is paving the way for a generation of young people to be ready for the opportunities of the future. We especially value the commitment to improving livelihoods and promoting economic empowerment for girls and young women.”

Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD “Young people must remain at the center of our collective efforts to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through the Global Leadership Council, we are reminded that empowering youth with the skills, opportunities, and environment to thrive is not only an investment in their potential, but in the stability, prosperity, and resilience of our world. QFFD is proud to stand alongside partners in championing bold, coordinated action that bridges the gap between learning and livelihoods, and ensures that the next generation can lead the transformations our societies urgently need.”

“One billion young people are ready to learn and earn, but fragmented efforts cannot address the scale of the challenge,” said Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO of Generation Unlimited. “At this year’s Global Leadership Council, Heads of State, CEOs, civil society leaders, and young innovators will come together to co-create national-scale solutions to expand skilling pathways and connect youth to meaningful work as employees and entrepreneurs. We’re grateful to the Government of Qatar and our newest Founding Partner the Qatar Fund for Development for hosting the meeting and being part of our growing public-private-youth ecosystem committed to building one billion futures together.”

The meeting reaffirmed the urgency of uniting governments, businesses, and youth to confront the global employment challenge, emphasizing the power of collective action to open pathways that equip millions of young people with the skills and opportunities to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.

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