Local leaders can establish STEM training programs in schools, teaching the skills necessary to compete in an increasingly digital world, or as many do, work with a nonprofit to help build the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and support those entrepreneurs to build their start ups in a stimulating environment.
Young people across the world have ideas and ingenuity – and they believe in a better future.
They bring energy, enthusiasm, and 21st century skills the world badly needs, and often can more rapidly adapt to change and spot emerging opportunities than their older peers.
With millions more youth joining the global workforce by 2050, cities can tackle the many challenges they face by tapping into this rich human capital.
Commentary by Brandee McHale, president, CitiFoundation and director of corporate citizenship at Citi. She is responsible for overseeing the Citi Foundation's global grant making strategy and for leading Citi's citizenship efforts, including volunteerism and environmental sustainability. Follow her at @BrandeeMchale.