The 1.2 Billion Jobs Challenge: A Fireside Chat with Ajay Banga

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Published Jun 23, 2026

As 1.2 billion young people are projected to enter the workforce in developing countries over the coming decades, this discussion explored a central economic question: how to create enough productive jobs at scale. Demographics can be a dividend—or a destabilizing force—depending on whether economies can generate opportunity fast enough.

The session focused on how technology can support this goal. While “big AI” models dominate global headlines, many developing economies are likely to see the greatest impact from applied, sector-specific tools—“small AI” that address real constraints in health, agriculture, education, logistics, and small business finance.

The discussion highlighted how practical AI applications and digital public infrastructure can:
• Strengthen primary healthcare delivery
• Expand access to quality education and skills
• Improve agricultural productivity for smallholders
• Support the formalization and financing of small businesses
• Enhance government efficiency

The emphasis was on scalable, affordable solutions that raise productivity and generate employment at scale—demonstrating that technology, when grounded in jobs and development priorities, can act as a force multiplier for inclusive growth rather than an end in itself.

Find the transcript and additional resources:
https://live.worldbank.org/en/event/2026/the-12-billion-jobs-challenge-atxsummit?cid=ECR_YT_Worldbank_EN_EXT

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