UNICEF’s GenU is transforming livelihoods for a brighter future

Preparing the next generation for work

The world of work is shifting faster than ever. Employers struggle to find job-ready talent, while millions of young people—especially in underserved communities—are eager to contribute but lack access to market-aligned skills, networks, and pathways that open doors. Over the next decade, 1.2 billion youth will enter the workforce — and 72% of employers say they’re already struggling to find the skilled talent they need. The gap is real, but so is the opportunity.

That’s where Generation Unlimited (GenU) comes in. Led by UNICEF, this global initiative brings together governments, businesses, civil society, and youth to close the gap between potential and opportunity. As a founding partner, Accenture plays a key role in connecting learning to earning for young people, by helping build scalable, tech-enabled pathways to work that equip them with the skills and job connections to help secure employment or start their own businesses.

Launched in 2021, the UNICEF and Accenture partnership has helped lay the foundation for advancing youth livelihoods through skilling at scale before more recently expanding the focus to connect learning to earning. Already, 4 million young people have gained AI and digital skills certifications through the Passport to Earning (P2E) program, with a goal of reaching 8 million by 2027.

Youth voices leading the way

Behind every statistic is a story of determination—meet the young voices turning opportunity into transformation.

Collaborating to create lasting impact

As these stories show, the challenges for many young people—especially in underserved communities—go beyond learning new skills. Too often, they face barriers like limited access to quality training, recognised credentials, and platforms that connect learning to real market needs. These gaps don’t just hold back individual potential—they limit community resilience and economic growth.

As a strategic partner to GenU, Accenture helps close these gaps by contributing funding, expertise, and leadership—including roles on GenU’s Board and Global Leadership Council. Together with UNICEF and other partners, we design credentialed training, improve job platforms for usability and reach, and ensure these tools work for youth everywhere—regardless of location or resources.

Through three global programs, this initiative offers a scalable framework for inclusive growth:

Breaking barriers, building futures

Cross-sector partnerships are proving what’s possible. By combining inclusive design, local relevance, and strategic collaboration, GenU is creating opportunity at scale—giving young people the tools to help overcome barriers and shape their futures.

These programs open doors to mentorship, credentials, and careers that once felt out of reach. Youth are gaining confidence, earning employer trust, and helping to drive change in their communities. Partnerships like GenU’s with Accenture show that when young people are empowered, they don’t just find jobs—they help redefine the future of work.