President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed concern over how the high number of unemployed young people reliant on their parents is affecting the economy.

Speaking at Thursday night’s event on World Population Day, President Solih said that 37% make up the youth population, and that 67% of them are unemployed.

At the event, the President expressed concern over the projected working population remaining consistent as far as 2054 despite an increase in population.

Highlighting the importance of making use of the unemployed, President Solih said that the government is working with companies and banks to increase the working population, adding that people should not forget their personal responsibility and that young people should strive to sustain their livelihood with their own income.

President Solih also expressed concern that, while 30% of the working population are women, most of them leave their jobs at some point in their lives after getting married or having kids.