Davos Lab: Youth Recovery Plan

The Davos Lab Youth Recovery Plan, published by the World Economic Forum, outlines a youth-led vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Based on surveys from 187 countries and dialogues in 146 cities, the report identifies ten critical pillars for recovery: conscious consumerism, digital access, digital literacy, the future of politics, inclusive jobs, mental health, net zero, next-generation ESG, public health, and public safety. Key recommendations include a $2.1 trillion digital access plan, a global wealth tax on assets over $50 million to fund social safety nets, and an immediate halt to all new fossil fuel exploration to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The document also introduces the 'Millennial Manifesto,' a set of principles for matured youth activism focused on systems change and intergenerational dialogue.

• Young people advocate for an immediate cessation of all new coal, oil, and gas exploration and development to maintain the global warming limit of 1.5°C.
• To address the global digital divide, the report recommends a US$ 2.1 trillion investment plan to increase global internet connectivity to over 80% by 2025.
• There is a call for a global wealth tax on assets exceeding US$ 50 million to combat rising inequality and finance more resilient social security and pension systems.
• The report highlights a significant crisis in youth employment and skills, with nearly half of surveyed young people feeling their current skills are insufficient for a dignified job over the next 5-10 years.
• Mental health is viewed as a fundamental human right by 98.3% of respondents, yet access is hindered by financial barriers, lack of awareness, and COVID-19 service disruptions.
• Young people express deep distrust in political systems, with some survey respondents indicating more faith in governance by artificial intelligence than by human beings.
• The report identifies 'militarized policing' and the misuse of surveillance technology as existential risks to civil liberties, particularly for activists and people of colour.
• There is a strong demand for 'next generation ESG' that integrates technology ethics and transparency into corporate governance to prevent the discriminatory use of algorithms.
• The report emphasizes the need for a shift in public health from a 'cure' mindset to a 'care' mindset, prioritizing the prevention of sickness and the use of community-driven health solutions.
• The 'Millennial Manifesto' establishes six guiding principles for youth activism, emphasizing intergenerational dialogue, systems change, and the inclusion of diverse lived experiences.

APA

World Economic Forum (2021). Davos Lab: Youth Recovery Plan. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Davos_Lab_Youth_Recovery_Plan_2021.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Davos Lab: Youth Recovery Plan. 2021. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Davos_Lab_Youth_Recovery_Plan_2021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Davos Lab: Youth Recovery Plan |date=August 2021 |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Davos_Lab_Youth_Recovery_Plan_2021.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2021davos, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Davos Lab: Youth Recovery Plan}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2021}, month = aug, url = {http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Davos_Lab_Youth_Recovery_Plan_2021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }