Among 24 young participants, 23 reported having no experience in policy participation. They identified challenges such as entering the job market, securing housing, job insecurity due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and a lack of living infrastructure in rural areas as significant sources of anxiety about the future. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has decided to incorporate the views of young people into the 2045 national development strategy.
On November 2, the Ministry held a future strategy advisory meeting in Yongsan, Seoul, chaired by Minister Park Hong-keun, to discuss the results of in-depth interviews with youth and the main directions of the 2045 national development strategy. Experts from academia, research institutions, and industry attended the meeting.
The in-depth interviews were conducted to gain insights into the specific realities and future demands of young people, following an initial survey of the general public and youth.
Participants highlighted the unpredictability of whether personal efforts and choices would lead to favorable future outcomes as a major source of anxiety. College students expressed difficulty in entering the job market, while working professionals noted challenges in planning long-term life goals such as housing, marriage, and childbirth.
Concerns were raised about hiring practices that favor experienced candidates, making it difficult for first-time job seekers. There were also worries that the spread of AI could reduce job availability. College students emphasized the need for investment in talent development and research and development (R&D), while working professionals pointed to the need to address disparities in AI utilization skills.
The lack of jobs and living infrastructure in rural areas was also identified as a key issue. Participants noted that limited access to quality jobs and inadequate healthcare, cultural, and transportation facilities forced them to leave rural areas. Regarding population decline, they suggested that support for childbirth and childcare should be coupled with preparations for increased healthcare and welfare demands due to aging.
Of the youth surveyed, 23 out of 24 reported having no experience in policy participation. Some expressed skepticism about whether their input would be reflected in actual policies, even if opportunities for participation were available.
The vision young people have for 2045 extends beyond mere economic growth and technological advancement. They hope for a society where excessive competition, comparisons, and conflicts among generations, genders, and regions are alleviated, allowing everyone to make autonomous life choices and enjoy stable daily lives. They emphasized that government policies should not only address short-term issues but also be guided by long-term plans.
Experts suggested that national development should lead to tangible improvements in the quality of life for individuals. They proposed a vision for a society where young people can design their futures, where the impact of background, region, and assets is minimized, and where individuals can recover from failures.
During the meeting, participants discussed strategies to respond to structural challenges such as demographic changes, rural decline, and climate change, while also leveraging the AI transformation and the reconfiguration of international order as new opportunities. They agreed on the need to address issues of polarization that have intensified during periods of rapid growth and to prepare systematically for future risks.
Minister Park stated, "We are actively identifying tasks to support the future that young people desire, who will be the main players in society. We will diligently prepare strategies with the mindset of designing a new century."
The Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to continue gathering public opinions and expert discussions to establish a 2045 national development strategy that resonates with and is felt by the public.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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