United Nations and Youth Employment Service Sign Partnership to Expand Opportunities for South Africa’s Youth

Pretoria, 25 June 2026 – The United Nations and Youth Employment Service (YES) today signed a partnership framework to strengthen youth empowerment and expand employment opportunities for young people in South Africa. The agreement, signed at the UN House in Pretoria, establishes a strategic partnership to create pathways for skills development, work experience, and youth leadership.
The partnership responds to persistently high levels of youth unemployment in South Africa, which continue to limit young people’s access to meaningful work experience and professional networks. Through the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme and collaboration with Generation Unlimited (Gen-U) partners, the initiative will, in its first phase, provide work placement, training and professional development opportunities for approximately 20 qualified young South Africans across United Nations agencies, funds and programmes operating in the country. The partnership also seeks to create broader pathways for youth participation, skills development and leadership in sustainable development efforts.
“This partnership is more than a formal agreement; it is a commitment to opening doors and building bridges for young people as they transition from education to meaningful employment,” said Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We must be deliberate and sustained in our efforts to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Mr. Muffuh noted that the initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026–2030, which prioritizes inclusive growth, youth empowerment, economic inclusion and stronger pathways from education and skills development into employment and opportunity.
“Young people are not passive beneficiaries of development; they are partners, innovators and leaders who are shaping South Africa’s future,” he added.
Ravi Naidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of Youth Employment Service (YES), said the organization’s mission is deeply rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
“YES is an SDG multiplier. This partnership opens new avenues for collaboration and impact, enabling us to create more opportunities for young people and support them on their journey towards meaningful employment,” said Mr. Naidoo.
He encouraged young people to embrace opportunities boldly, including those beyond South Africa’s borders, and called on companies to expand access to work experiences and skills development opportunities.
Young people attending the signing ceremony welcomed the partnership and emphasized the importance of ensuring that opportunities reach underserved groups, including youth in rural communities and persons with disabilities. They expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute to greater access to skills development, employment opportunities, and meaningful participation in sustainable development initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Yu Yu, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in South Africa, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of young people in South Africa.
“Investing in young people is essential not only for economic progress but also for peace and social cohesion. As we work towards sustainable development and shared prosperity, we must ensure that no young person is left behind,” he said.
The launch event brought together representatives from UN agencies and its Youth Theme Group co-chaired by UNFPA and UNICEF, the UNV programme, the Gen-U, YES, government stakeholders, private sector partners, and young people, reflecting a broad coalition committed to advancing youth employment and leadership in South Africa.
About the Partnership
The UN-YES partnership seeks to leverage and combine the strengths of the United Nations system, the private sector and development partners to expand pathways for youth employment, skills development and leadership opportunities. The collaboration contributes to the achievement of the SDGs and South Africa’s efforts to address youth unemployment and accelerate inclusive development.
For more information please contact:
Ziyanda Ngoma, Partnerships Officer, UN Resident Coordinators Office
Email: ziyanda.ngoma@un.org, Tel : +27 72 299 0868