Introduction

Abstract

Freedom to realize one’s potential and pursue what one values is the key component and driver of development, while fragility is a result of the frustration arising from persistent deprivation of such freedom. Lack of freedoms is the biggest development challenge of our time. The ability to have a meaningful job – including self-employment – is probably the most important manifestation and instrument for the realization of individual freedoms. Jobs also define who we are – lack of a meaningful job hurts our sense of self-worth and self-empowerment, and we tend to resort to other avenues (often negative) to feel worthy and empowered. This is most relevant in the case of youth who are in the most sensitive phase of their identity formation. Creation of meaningful jobs for youth – and meaningful human capital formation required for them – is, therefore, the most potent weapon to prevent and counter fragility.