The Youth Pledge is an initiative of the Danish government which will run from 2025 to 2035.

Its primary aim is to support young people in accessing education and employment opportunities. The program is built on strong partnerships between municipalities, private businesses, and civil society to ensure that every young person has a fair chance to enter the workforce.

The Youth Pledge focuses on creating concrete opportunities for marginalised youth through targeted programs, internships, and mentoring schemes. By leveraging local solutions and partnerships, the initiative seeks to help more young people take their first steps toward a secure and stable future.

Private companies play a pivotal role in providing young people with pathways into the labour market. They contribute not only by offering employment opportunities but also by fostering dynamism, innovation, and practical experience, helping young people build the confidence and skills needed to advance in life.

Private enterprises, including retail shops and craft businesses, have already demonstrated the effectiveness of close collaboration with municipalities and social organisations by hiring young people from diverse backgrounds. Many of these young individuals have developed into valuable team members.

The retail sector plays a unique and vital role in offering young people a pathway into the labour market. As a diverse industry with numerous entry-level opportunities, retail provides both initial work experience and long-term career prospects. For many young individuals, retail marks their first encounter with the workforce. Stores, supermarkets, and department stores offer positions tailored to young people, from part-time and weekend jobs to flexible shifts that can be balanced with education. In retail, young people gain not only a paycheck but also valuable skills in customer service, teamwork, and responsibility—competencies that are transferable both within and beyond the industry.