At a time when the world is searching for sustainable solutions to unemployment and inequality, one truth continues to stand out; young people are not just part of the future; they are the drivers of it.At the prestigious World Bank Group International Development Association (IDA) Forum, on April 14 2026 in Washington, D.C., this message took center stage.
Among global leaders, policymakers, and development practitioners, the voice of youth entrepreneurship and innovation was strongly represented. For Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), the moment was more than just an interview, it was an opportunity to shape a global narrative.
A Moment That Matters
Invited to share his perspective in a short on-camera interview, Rafiu spoke with clarity and conviction about a pressing global priority: placing young people at the heart of development strategies, especially as the world looks ahead to IDA22.
His message was simple, yet deeply transformative: “If we invest in the skills and enterprises of young people, they will not be looking for jobs, they will create them.”This statement reflects not just an idea, but a lived reality, one that YEDIS has been championing across communities.
The Power of Youth-Led Solutions
Across developing economies, millions of young people face limited access to opportunities. Yet, within this challenge lies immense potential. With the right support systems, skills development, digital tools, access to finance, and enabling policies, young people can build businesses, transform agriculture, drive innovation, and strengthen local economies.
Through its work, YEDIS continues to demonstrate that empowering youth is not a social obligation alone, it is an economic strategy.
Taking the Message Global
The IDA provided a powerful platform, including X (Twitter) and Facebook to elevate this vision to a global audience. The engagement highlighted the critical need for international institutions, governments, and stakeholders to prioritize youth-focused investments.It also reinforced a growing consensus: development is most effective when it is inclusive, forward-looking, and youth-driven.
Beyond the Interview
For YEDIS, this moment is part of a broader journey, one committed to building ecosystems where young innovators and entrepreneurs can thrive.From local initiatives to global conversations, the organization remains dedicated to unlocking opportunities, shaping policy dialogues, and driving impact where it matters most.
A Call to Action
As the world moves toward IDA22, the message is clear, investing in young people is investing in shared prosperity. The future of work, innovation, and economic resilience depends on the decisions we make today. And those decisions must include young people, not as beneficiaries, but as partners and leaders.
Watch the interview and join the conversation. https://youtube.com/shorts/kd__qJN4I-0?si=LNdliG5F7YgHndC1
Together, we can build a future where no young person is left behind.