BANGKOK, March 12, 2007 — The World Bank launched its “World Development Report 2007: Development and the Next Generation” in Thailand on Monday. Following the report’s official publication at the annual World Bank-IMF meetings in Singapore last September, a series of launches are being organized this week in East Asia to engage various Government representatives, students and youth leaders in discussions on why more effective investment in youth is critical for social and economic development. 

With 1.3 billion young people now living in the developing world—the largest-ever youth group in history, there has never been a better time to invest in youth, the WDR said. This is because young people today are healthier and better educated than previous generations, and they will join the workforce with fewer dependents because of changing demographics. However, failure to seize this opportunity to train them more effectively for the workplace, and to be active citizens, could lead to widespread disillusionment and social tensions. 

As he welcomed participants to the launch, Ian Porter, World Bank Country Director for Thailand, stated that “Over the last three decades, young and dedicated Thai workers have made important contributions to the rapid economic growth that has benefited all in the nation.”

Noting that young people in Thailand are fully aware of the significant contribution they can make to their country’s progress, Mr. Porter added that there is a need to realize that many young people, at critical junctures in their lives, will not only be confronted with opportunities, but with risks as well.  “The opportunities present a chance to benefit wider society, while the risks, unless properly handled, can destroy that potential. The future of today’s younger generation and its contribution to the nation will depend heavily on how each of its members manages this transition.”

Emmanuel Y. Jimenez, World Bank Director for Human Development in East Asia and the Pacific and lead author of the WDR, presented the report’s findings, discussed key transition points during which investments are needed, and explained how governments can develop "youth-friendly" policies to accelerate development in their countries.

He explained that most policymakers know that their young people will greatly influence their national social and economic fortunes, but nonetheless face acute dilemmas in how to invest more effectively in their youth.  “Most developing countries have a short window of opportunity to get this right before their record numbers of youth become middle-aged, and they lose their demographic dividend. This isn’t just enlightened social policy. This may be one of the profound decisions a developing country will ever make to banish poverty and galvanize its economy.”

Applying the WDR framework to the Thailand context, Mr. Luis Benveniste, Head of the World Bank’s Human Development Sector in Thailand, presented a first draft of the World Bank’s “2007 Thailand Social Monitor: Youth” which will be released later this year.  “The report focuses on the opportunities and risks confronting youth in Thailand today, and looks into the important transitions from growing up healthy, learning for work and life, and moving from school to work.  Building on the World Bank’s Thailand Social Monitor on secondary education, issued in 2006, the new Monitor will examine factors influencing decisions by the young people of Thailand to stay or abandon school,” Mr. Benveniste noted.  “It will also analyze factors that make youth vulnerable to health risks, review current trends in youth employment, and examine youth-related Government policies as well as institutions.” 

Following the presentations, panelists engaged in discussions to provide feedback on this year’s WDR and how it relates to the Thailand context.  “I think it is crucial for youth in Thailand to take full advantage of the opportunity that has been presented before us by this year’s World Development Report, which focuses on development and the next generation,” stressed Ms. Chalongkwan Tavarayuth, Representative of the Youth, Development, and Peace Network Steering Committee. 

“Too many young people in Thailand do not have an active role in political participation, nor do they engage enough in decision-making and leadership activities. Furthermore, in terms of our education system, society seems to only focus on classic educational activities and place importance on a student’s grade or educational attainments. More should be done to encourage youth and students to think outside of the box, and participate in social activities. This would give them the chance to engage more in critical thinking, apply skills they learn in the classroom, and obtain more hands-on experience,” Ms. Tavarayuth further noted.

Published annually, the World Bank's WDR provides a guide to the economic, social and environmental state of the world today.  Each year the WDR provides in depth analysis of a specific aspect of development.  Past reports have considered such topics as the role of the state, transition economies, labor, infrastructure, health, the environment, and poverty.