A Generation on the Move

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Myanmar’s youth stand at the crossroads of crisis and hope. This report captures their perceptions across a range of indicators that directly affect their present and future in a society under duress due to political upheaval, economic instability, and escalating conflict. Drawing on the Myanmar Youth Survey 2024, which captured insights from over 7,000 young individuals across the country, it uncovers the profound challenges and aspirations expressed by a generation grappling with uncertainty. And this was before the recent earthquake. Since the military takeover in 2021, an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 young people have been relocating to foreign countries to escape the conditions they face in Myanmar. This exodus is reshaping Myanmar’s demographic and labour landscape, with early indications of a shrinking middle segment of the population — particularly among working-age youth who form the backbone of the country’s human capital.

Nearly 40 percent of surveyed youth would consider leaving the country if they had the opportunity, driven by the collapse of socio-economic structures, ongoing armed conflicts, and the introduction of the conscription law. Skilled professionals and educated young people are more likely to leave, threatening the nation with a looming brain drain that could significantly undermine economic recovery and stability. Over 55 percent believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, citing pervasive insecurity, deteriorating education systems, and limited economic opportunities. The ripple effects of these challenges are stark, with international migration emerging as a key strategy for survival and advancement. Yet, despite the hardships, a cautious optimism prevails, with 45 percent envisioning a better future within five years.

Download full report in English I Myanmar.