LONDON Nov. 28 (People’s Daily Online) —— The State of World Population 2014, published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) states, says developing countries with large youth populations could see their economies soar, provided they invest heavily in young people’s education and health and protect their rights.

The potential economic gains would be realized through a “demographic dividend,” which can occur when a county’s working age population is larger than the population that is dependent and younger, the report shows. But to maximize the dividend, countries must ensure their young working-age populations are equipped to seize opportunities for jobs and other income-earning possibilities.

UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehim says: “Today’s record 1.8 billion young people present an enormous opportunity to transform the future.

“Young people are the innovators, creators, builders and leaders of the future. But they can transform the future only if they have skills, health, decision-making, and real choices in life,” he adds.

Dr. Osotimehim urges countries in pursuit of a demographic dividend to ensure the gains result in growth that benefits everyone.

With the right policies and investments in human capital, countries can empower young people to drive economic and social development and boost per-capita incomes, the new UNFPA report states.