BALTIMORE, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
International Youth Foundation (IYF) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), with support from Hilton
(NYSE: HLT), released The Global Millennial Viewpoint Survey, which examines the perceptions of 7,600 youth in 30 countries. The survey
provides insight into how young people see the world today in areas ranging from education and economic opportunity to health and
civic participation, and the findings reveal a story of optimism, insecurity, and disillusionment that reflect the complexity of
this important and rapidly growing demographic.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Young people are optimistic about their economic futures: 76 percent of youth surveyed agreed with the statement "I
will be able to get the kind of job I want."
- Youth feel disconnected from their governments: 65 percent think their government does not care about their wants
and needs.
- Mental healthcare is an unaddressed need among youth: 60 percent said that "the way I feel emotionally gets in the
way of my studies, job, or social life."
- Income inequality is a major concern for youth: 90 percent agreed with the statement "There is too much
economic divide between the high and low income."
- Income and job flexibility are most important for young people choosing a career path: 71 percent and 56
percent, respectively, ranked these two as the most important factors.
For global businesses, these new findings provide insights into what they can do to attract, retain, and promote young talent.
Flexibility in the workplace, starting salary, and long-term earning potential appear to be the primary career path drivers, and
young people across regions want their supervisors to help them grow and to demonstrate that they respect and trust them.
"With 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide, understanding how this generation thinks and feels about their lives
and futures is crucial for governments, the private sector, and society at large. At Hilton, we believe that understanding,
empowering and investing in the next generation is both a responsibility and an opportunity for our business," said Max Verstraete, VP Corporate Responsibility & ADA Compliance, Hilton. "We are committed to opening doors
for one million youth by 2019 by connecting young people to career opportunities in hospitality, preparing them with the skills
and experience they need to be successful, and by employing them directly."
The study reveals that relatively low percentages of youth feel that their governments care about their wants and needs. At
the same time, young people also strongly believe that government plays an important role in their lives: 63 percent of young
people surveyed acknowledge that governance and politics affect them.
"Too often, young people find themselves as passive recipients of policies and programs designed for them. This survey aims to
shift that paradigm, asking youth what they feel about issues of critical importance," said Bill
Reese, President and CEO, International Youth Foundation. "Young people will continue to shape our world for years to
come. Understanding their opinions, fears, and aspirations is critical to their success and our collective future."
For more information about The Global Millennial Viewpoint Survey, please visit https://www.iyfnet.org/library/2016-global-millennial-viewpoints-survey.
About IYF
For 25 years, the International Youth Foundation's sole focus has been to help young people succeed. A global
nonprofit organization, IYF believes success in life is secured by earning a livelihood. For most youth that means choosing a
career path and landing that first job, while others decide to start their own small businesses or social ventures. Regardless of
the road chosen, IYF has been by the side of more than 19.7 million youth in 105 countries empowering them to overcome the
obstacles that lie in their way to leading productive, fulfilling lives.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 14 world-class brands comprising more
than 4,900 properties with over 800,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to
be the world's most hospitable company by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time. The
company's portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts,
Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton,
Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand
Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book
directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows
members to choose exactly how many Points to combine with money, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else
and free standard Wi-Fi. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn,
Instagram and YouTube.
CONTACTS:
Nemo Nox
International Youth Foundation
410.951.2311
n.nox@iyfnet.org
Astrid Egerton-Vernon
Hilton
703.883.5696
astrid.egerton-vernon@hilton.com
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SOURCE International Youth Foundation